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Government announces reform to provide greater flexibility for employers accessing the 457 visa program

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The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, announced yesterday the government’s response to the independent review of the 457 visa program. In a statement that was largely supportive of the recommendations made in the review, the government will act to remove unnecessary burdens and red tape on employers doing the right thing, while ensuring that they are compliant with their obligations as sponsors.
It is anticipated that changes to the program will occur in the next six months or so, but initiatives that require further stakeholder consultation may still be some time away from implementation, or will be modified as an outcome of continuing discussions.
We see this as a positive move, particularly in simplifying the way sponsors are assessed in regard to meeting training requirements for their Australian workforce.
Many of the recommendations call for a more flexible approach to genuine business needs, which in an ever increasing global labour market is welcomed as Australia needs a long term work visa that is easier for employers to understand, responsive to their needs and quicker to obtain.
457 visa holders make a contribution to the economy from the day they start work in Australia and we see many transition through to permanent residence, meaning they are a key contributor to Australia’s skilled migration outcomes. They bring with them skills and experience from overseas that are passed on to Australian workers, and by enabling employers better access to skills in a global economy, this can only increase productivity and in turn create jobs for Australian workers.
It is also positive to note that support has been given to reviewing the age restriction, as workers who have made a long term commitment to living and working in Australia should not be denied a pathway to permanent residence due to their age.
Read the press release here:
http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/michaeliacash/2015/Pages/457-reforms-boost-integrity.aspx

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