Updates to 457 visa program

Submitted 4/10/2007

Kevin Andrews MP Minister for Immigration & Citzenship

Under regulations to take effect October 1st 2007, on-hire companies that seek to sponsor overseas skilled workers will only be permitted to do so through labour agreement arrangements.

Minster for Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews, said the specific labour agreement for the on-hire industry recognised the unique employer/employer relationship in this sector.

‘The labour agreement provides a pathway to recruit overseas skilled workers where standard visa arrangements do not meet industry needs and access to overseas skilled workers is demonstrably in Australia's interests.'

The changes recognise the importance of the on-hire industry's capacity to readily supply workers to fill gaps in other businesses where an Australian worker is not available.

The on-hire labour agreement mandates for the training of Australian workers and sets the skill level and salary for overseas workers, further strengthening the integrity of Australia's subclass 457 visa program.

‘Amendments to the Migration Regulations will assist on-hire companies to transition from standard 457 visa arrangements to the labour agreement framework, which better provides for the needs of their industry and the Australian Government's strong commitment to ensuring the ongoing integrity of the 457 programme' the Minister said.

All applications made on or after 1 October 2007 will be considered under the new framework. This change will not affect subclass 457 visa holders in the on-hire industry while they remain on their current visa.

For further information, on-hire companies should email the department.
Email: Labour.Agreement.Section@immi.gov.au