Possible Overhaul of Subclass 457 Visa Scheme

A recent senate committee report titled 'A National Disgrace: The Exploitation of Temporary Work Visa Holders' could lead to widespread reform to the current Subclass 457 scheme after its 33 recommendations were published last month. 

Accordingly, some of these recommendations include:

1. The removal of labour market testing exemptions which currently exist for certain occupations.
2. Employers sponsoring in professional occupations to be required to employ an Australian graduate on a one-on-one basis.
3. Employers sponsoring in trade occupations demonstrate that 25% of their workforce be made up of apprentices.
4. Current training benchmarks be replaced with with a 'training levy' per 457 visa worker to the value of $4000 per 457 worker.

Importantly however, the report also commented on temporary visas more generally. For example, the report also made the following recommendations:

1. An examination into the costs and benefits of continuing the operation of a second year for Working Holiday visa holders.
2. A greater emphasis being placed on time spent living in Australia when considering eligibility for permanent residency.

To see the full report click here.

Although it may be some time yet before any of these recommendations are implemented, we would safely assume that change in some form or another is inevitable. So the question is not if, but when!

If you are in the process of applying for your Subclass 457 visa, contact our migration agents today by giving us a call on 1300 MIGR8TE (644 788) or send your questions to enquiry@salvomigration.com.au and thank you for visiting Salvo Migration!