Anna Nguyen: We are committed to guiding you towards a successful and secure future in Australia

We interviewed Anna Nguyen, a lawyer at Gentoo Lawyers in Australia. Gentoo Lawyers is the official partner of the Kangaroo agency in Mongolia.

-You are about to visit Mongolia for the first time to participate in a seminar on Australian immigration law. Could you share your impressions and thoughts about Mongolia?

I am genuinely excited to visit Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for the first time. Over the years, I have met many Mongolian friends, clients and students in Australia, and I have always admired their warmth, resilience and strong sense of community. Mongolia has a unique cultural identity and a rapidly developing economy.

I look forward to experiencing the country firsthand and engaging with people who want to understand Australia’s legal, educational and investment landscape. It is an honour to participate in a seminar that allows me to share knowledge and connect directly with the Mongolian public.

-Can you provide a brief overview of your law firm?

ANNA & CO LAWYERS T/A GENTOO LAWYERS is a full-service Australian law firm providing comprehensive legal support across immigration law, family law, wills and estate planning, property law, business and commercial law, civil litigation, criminal law, human rights law, public notary services and other legal matters. Our work spans tribunal reviews (ART), visa and citizenship matters, divorce and child custody, property settlements, will drafting, probate, business transactions, commercial leases, debt recovery, conveyancing and a wide range of personal and commercial legal disputes. What truly distinguishes our firm is our multicultural approach, our team works closely with clients from many countries and we speak English, Mongolian, Russian, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Nepali, Afrikaans, and more. We are committed to integrity, transparency and practical, results-driven legal solutions. Whether assisting with a visa application, a business purchase, a family matter or a property transaction, we provide strategic, compassionate and professional guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs.

-With a significant population of Mongolians living and studying in Australia, legal knowledge about Australian law is crucial. What key issues will Gentoo Lawyers and the Kangaroo Agency partnership focus on, and why is Mongolia of particular interest?

-Mongolia is an important focus for us because Mongolian communities in Australia are growing, ambitious, and eager to understand their legal rights and opportunities. Through our partnership with Kangaroo Agency, we aim to provide:

• Accurate immigration advice tailored to Mongolian clients
• Legal education seminars to prevent visa mistakes and strengthen success rates
• Support for international students, including compliance, work rights, and migration pathways
• Assistance with property investment and business setup in Australia

Many Mongolians choose Australia for education, skilled migration, and long-term settlement. We want to support that journey with trustworthy legal guidance.

-What common challenges and issues do Mongolian citizens and students face while in Australia?

-Some of the most common issues we see include:

• Misunderstanding visa conditions such as work limits or course requirements
• Difficulties with visa renewals or Genuine Student criteria
• Lack of access to reliable legal advice when problems arise
• Employment challenges due to unfamiliarity with Australian workplace laws
• Housing, tenancy, and property-related issues
• Language barriers leading to miscommunication with authorities, universities or employers

Our goal is to equip Mongolian students and families with the right information from the start, so they can avoid legal problems and focus on building their future in Australia.

-Australia boasts a high-quality education system ranked among the best globally, making it an attractive destination for young people. However, visa conditions are perceived as strict. Could you clarify the opportunities for student visas, potential discounts, and the legal conditions regarding working while studying?

-Australia offers excellent opportunities for international students. Although the visa process is regulated, it is absolutely achievable with proper preparation. Key points include:

• Education opportunities: Over 1,000 institutions and universities offering world-class qualifications.
• Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer partial scholarships, instalment plans, and promotional discounts for Mongolian students through their partnered agencies like us and Kangaroo Agency.
• Work rights: Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
• Post-study pathways: Many graduates become eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), which may lead to skilled migration pathways.

Overall, the system aims to support genuine students who want to study, gain experience, and contribute to Australia.

-What are the main provisions and distinctive features of Australia’s immigration laws?

-Australia’s immigration system is built on several core principles:

• Merit-based and skill-focused selection
• Strict but fair compliance framework to maintain program integrity
• Clear visa subclasses for different purposes such as students, skilled migrants, workers, investors, families
• Regular policy updates to respond to labour market needs
• Protections for visa holders, ensuring fair treatment and access to justice

Although complex, the system is transparent and structured for those who meet the requirements.

-What positive legal opportunities arise from purchasing real estate in Australia?

-Purchasing property in Australia offers several advantages:

• Strong legal protection for buyers through secure title and contract systems
• Stable property market with long-term growth
• Rental income opportunities in major cities
• Support for business and investment credibility
• Security for families and students living long-term in Australia

While buying property itself does not grant a visa, it provides financial and practical benefits, especially for families planning to live or invest in Australia.

-Could you elaborate on the legal avenues and visa opportunities that may become available to Mongolians investing in Australia?

-Australia provides a wide range of opportunities for individuals who wish to invest, start businesses or contribute to economic development. With its stable legal system and transparent regulations, it is a highly attractive destination for serious investors.

Mongolian investors who plan to establish businesses, expand operations or participate in significant investments may be able to access long-term opportunities that support commercial growth and potentially allow them to live or work in Australia.

The key factors are genuine business activity, financial capacity and contributing positively to the local economy. With proper legal planning, Mongolian investors can explore many legitimate, long-term opportunities.

-Can we discuss the legal environment for foreign investors in Australia? This is particularly relevant as our country is preparing to draft a bill on foreign investments to be submitted to Parliament for approval in 2026. We seek to learn from Australian lawyers’ experiences and insights.

-Australia is known for having one of the world’s most secure and transparent legal environments for foreign investors. Key features include:

• Rule of law and independent courts
• Clear tax and corporate regulations
• Strong protections for property ownership

• Equal treatment of foreign and local investors, subject to national interest
• A strong and stable banking system
• Predictable regulatory frameworks

The Australian experience shows that transparency, predictability, and strong legal institutions give investors confidence. Mongolia’s upcoming legislation has a great opportunity to adopt similar principles while tailoring them to its local economic goals.

-What advice would you give to individuals interested in working or studying in Australia?

-My advice is simple:

• Prepare early and seek proper guidance. This helps you avoid mistakes that could affect your future visa options.
• Choose a genuine study or career pathway that aligns with your long-term goals.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities, particularly your visa conditions, so you can maintain compliance at all times.
• Invest in English language skills, as strong communication opens doors to better education, employment and settlement opportunities.
• Seek professional legal advice whenever you are unsure — it saves time, money, and stress.

Australia is a welcoming and diverse country. With the right preparation, Mongolians can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. At Gentoo Lawyers, we are committed to guiding you towards a successful and secure future in Australia.

About the Interviewee – Anna Nguyen

Ms Anna Nguyen

Director & Lawyer, ANNA & CO LAWYERS T/A GENTOO LAWYERS

Accreditations & Qualifications:

• NSW Solicitor
• Lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
• Lawyer of the High Court of Australia
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – International Management
• Juris Doctor
• Master of Laws (Family Law)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Graduate Diploma of Migration Law & Practice (UTS)
• Graduate Certificate of Professional Legal Practice
• Member of Law Society of NSW
• Member of City of Sydney Law Society
• Member of Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section)

Ms Nguyen is known for her multicultural expertise, professionalism and strategic approach. She works closely with international communities, including Mongolian clients, to provide clear, accessible and trustworthy legal guidance. Her mission is to empower individuals, families and investors to navigate the Australian legal system with confidence.