The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is visiting Roma on December 5 and 6 to provide businesses and workers with information on employer-sponsored visa options for skilled workers.

Queensland outreach officers will be conducting a free information session in Roma on December 5, focusing on employer-sponsored visa options for skilled workers, including the subclass 457 visa program and pathways to permanent residence, such as the regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS).

The session, which will take place at the Maranoa Regional Council (Ernest Brock Room, corner of Bungil and Quintin Streets, Roma) from 5:30pm to 7pm, will give employers and visa holders the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of these visa programs.

“Some businesses in regional communities can experience difficulty finding local skilled workers and may want to consider sponsoring suitably qualified employees from overseas,” a departmental spokesman said.

“Our officers will be able to answer a variety of questions about the skilled migration program, including changes that came into effect last year, such as market salary rates, health insurance, training requirements and employer obligations.”

Outreach officers will also be available for private consultations with employers on immigration matters in the council’s community room on December 6 from 1pm to 5pm.

The officers will also be able to discuss other visa and citizenship matters.

“While the department has a great deal of information available over the phone or on the internet, some people may not be aware of recent policy changes, or they may prefer to speak to officers face-to-face, and these visits meet those needs,” the spokesman said.

“The department’s regional visits program enables people in communities outside of the capital cities to sit down and talk about specific issues they might face directly with an immigration officer.”