AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Temporary Work Visa Holders to Australia Must Receive Fair Wages

Monday, 7 September 2009

The minister for Immigration & Citizenship Australia, Senator Chris Evans, has announced a reform that will ensure that all temporary skilled workers receive salaries and wages comparable to their Australian counterparts.

As of September 14, 2009 any new temporary (sub class 457) skilled workers that come to Australia to work must receive at least the market rate based on their job description. 457 Visa holders with earnings of $180,000 or higher per year are not subject to this reform.

Currently, all 457 Sub class visa holders are required to receive a salary of at least $45,220, which means that some workers may receive less than the market rate for the skilled jobs they are performing.

"The Rudd Government has made it clear that temporary skilled overseas workers should not be employed ahead of local workers because they are a cheaper option," Senator Evans said, "The subclass 457 visa scheme is a demand driven program designed to supplement - not replace - the local workforce when there are serious skills shortages".

Businesses currently employing overseas workers under the 457 visa sub class will be required to ensure that their employees' wages meet the minimum market levels by January 1, 2010.

Visas will not be granted to new subclass 457 visa applicants if the market salary rate for the position is below a temporary skilled migration income threshold of $45,220. This threshold will be indexed in line with ABS earnings data.

'These reforms will ensure local training and employment opportunities are not undermined and prevent the exploitation of foreign workers while enabling industry to access skilled overseas workers where there are skills shortages.' Said Senator Evans.

Employers found in breach of the obligations in the migration regulations could be fined up to $33,000 and the department will retain the ability to cancel an employer's approval as a sponsor or bar them from making further applications for overseas workers.

If you are interested in Visas to Australia, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.