457 visas may become harder to get

[Newshound]

Employers hoping that processing of 457 visas will speed up may be disappointed to learn that the Government has announced a further review of the temporary visa system because of concerns about exploitation of foreign workers. The review to be conducted by industrial relations commissioner Barbara Deegan will look at employment conditions, salary levels, health and safety training requirements and English language requirements.

A working party will be established comprising union and industry leaders which will work with Ms Deegan. While unions such as the CFMEU have welcomed the review and see it as an opportunity increase salary thresholds for workers on the 457 visa, some employers are rightly concerned that it may ultimately become harder to employ workers on a 457 visa.

Meanwhile an external reference group is calling for an accreditation system which would allow “low risk” employers to jump the queue and have their visa applications fast tracked by the immigration department.