Australia's 457 subclass visa undergoing change
Australia’s proposed changes to its immigration program on temporary workers could make things easier for those willing to opt for a job in the country. All that the foreigners need to do is to opt for the Sub Class 457 visa famous as the ‘temporary skilled worker visa’.
This visa allows:
- Overseas skilled workers to be employed by Australian employers when the same not found in Australians
- The hitherto restrictions seen in the visa such as doing away with labour market testing, modifications to requirements in English language, modifications to salary rates in the market and support to legitimate sponsors are likely to be implemented
Speaking on these changes Australian Immigration minister, Scott Morrison was happy with the positivities that it relayed and further said, ‘The English language requirements are unnecessarily restrictive, serving more as an industrial lock-out rather than an honest attempt to ensure appropriate language skills which the government does believe is important’.
The Minister also hinted at a decrease on the income slab for exclusion of market rate assessment and a simplified procedure for sponsors that are reliable. However these measures come with a rider. The labour market testing may not be abolished altogether rather modified and employers also need to show that there has been ample drive on their part in scouring for locals for the jobs. And this has to be amply substantiated months in advance in the form of advertisement vacancies, local employment drives and career expositions.
Though these drives have been seen to be restrictive Australian immigration department is confident that an impasse could be reached in the hiring drive. The country has seen a sharp upsurge in overseas applicants since 2011 in the 457 visa, but with the changes being implemented since 2013, the number of applicants has drastically reduced. This has impacted in a steep decline of skilled labour in many organizations.
News Source: Emirates 24/7
Image source: Sydney moving guide, Australia tms, Industry Work Australia
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