Changes on 457 visa has been passed

29 Jun 2013

A crackdown on employer abuse through skilled foreign worker visa program has been passed in the parliament on the final day of sitting and before the election.

A federal government said that there was just a three minute debate on alterations to the 457 visas scheme before it went for vote on Friday. The final bill is the legislation that has been passed by parliament. Liberal senator Michaelia Cash said new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd should have dumped this bill. "Rudd sells business out to the unions," she said.

In the changes that are made in the bill are that the employer should do labour market testing while using  457 visa program. It means he/she have to undertake employment advertisements to prove they that they have searched for an Australian worker before recruiting a temporary worker from foreign on the 457 visa.

Brendan O'Connor, immigration minister told that these changes will provide security for overseas workers.

"Most Australians would expect that employers would look first in the domestic market before hiring workers from overseas. These legislative changes will ensure that employment occurs where it's not already happening," Mr O'Connor said.

For more details on Australia 457 Visas, contact Opulentus at 1800 103 155 or SMS Visa to 56263.