bcworld

Not sure if any of this is previously announced or new....as usual, no real detail.

Govt flags 457 visa changes

Federal Immigration Minister Chris Evans says the changes will help to ensure that migrant workers are not exploited or taking jobs away from local employees.

The minimum salary level will be indexed in July to reflect wages growth, and then from September will move to a market-based minimum salary.

The Government will also increase the language requirements for applicants, and among the other changes are greater scrutiny of applicant's skills, and measures to make sure employers are hiring local workers where available.

Edited to add departmental press release:

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/medi...09/ce09034.htm

slippery30

The implementation of a market based minimum salary for all new and existing 457 visa holders from mid September 2009, to ensure overseas workers are not exploited and local wages and conditions are not undermined (a key recommendation of the Deegan Review)

I am not sure what that means?...is it in addition to the increase in MSL?..

slippery30

another key recommendation of extension of visa when the visaholder is fired has not been approved by the minister. The recommendation was to extend the current period of 28 days to atleast 90 days...i dont know what the minister is thinking...very disappointing indeed..457 holders..who loose their jobs in recession should also be considered humans.....if the government cant give them any benefits atleast they can give them sometime to find new jobs.......

CrystalBall

I suppose if they cant find a job in 28 days... its probably pretty unlikely that they will in the current marketplace

slippery30

that might be ur opinion..but i am sure most 457 holders wont agree to it.