Australian Government Announces Set Of Reforms To The Skilled Visa Program

20 Mar 2015

With an intention to ensure the proper use of immigration scheme and address skill scarcities in the country, the government of Australia has announced some reforms to skilled visa program.

The ministry of Immigration and Border Protection stated that the government would act soon on the recommendations of latest independent review of 457 visa—temporary foreign worker program in order to fortify integrity and make sure that even local employees get the support from employers.

The board was tasked with investigating compliance in the 457 visa program by overseas employee’s sponsors to make sure that the scheme was being utilized as planned to meet the skill scarcities that cannot be met within the nation by Australian work force.

The review board was conducted broadly throughout Australia, meeting with more than 140 stakeholders as well as obtained 189 written submissions from industry bodies, unions, academics and businesses.

Major recommendations of review comprise a main stress on targeting employers who misuse the program and greater transparency on the department's approvals as well as positive sharing of data between chief government agencies.

The Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Michaelia Cash, has said that the government would begin a new fine by making it illicit for sponsors to get payment in response for sponsoring a foreign worker for 457 visa.

Hereby, Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), works collaboratively with Australia's Taxation Office to verify records in order make sure that employees holding 457 visas are attaining their nominated salary.

She said that further, the government will positively prosecute as well as shame offenders exploiting foreign workers and misusing the program.

Without compromising on essential security that underpins the program, the government ensures businesses that utilize the 457 program properly will acquire fewer laws and cost, she added.

Cash further said that the government would reduce the regulatory load for those businesses with a confirmed track record by relaxing sponsorship prerequisites.

Another major recommendation is to replace the existing training target necessities introduced by labor, which are difficult, expensive, and vulnerable to misuse, she said.

Apparently, execution of the review's recommendations would be rolled out during 2015.

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