MELBOURNE, Feb 23 – The Australian Government is cracking down on the visa scheme for temporary overseas workers, saying it has evidence the programme is being used to discriminate against Australians. Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor says the visas known as “457 visas” will be tightened to ensure they are only used to address genuine skills shortages, and that Australian workers are getting a “fair go”.
Under the changes, employers will be required to demonstrate they are nominating a position where there is a genuine shortage of workers, while English language requirements for some jobs will also be raised. O’Connor said compliance and enforcement powers would also be boosted to stop employers who are rorting the system.
“It has become clear … that the growth in the 457 programme is out of step with those skills shortages, and the government has evidence that some employers – and I emphasise that word, some – are using 457 visas to discriminate against locals,” O’Connor said in a statement.
“We do not want to punish those employers who have genuine skill shortages and who are using 457 visas in the way that the system is intended.
“But my message to those employers who are either flouting the rules or deliberately overlooking local employees is that the government will not accept these practices.”
BERNAMA
