Changes to 457 visas announced

Tony Davey , CEO of The Davey Group, with Guilong Li, his leading hand boilermaker, surrounded by his other foreign workers who work under a 457 visa. Source: News Corp Australia

EMPLOYERS will still have to advertise jobs locally before hiring skilled workers from overseas.

The federal government has adopted most of the recommendations from a review of the 457 visa scheme including relaxing English language requirements.

According to a report in The Australian, integrity checks will be strengthened including an increased focus on employers who seek to exploit the program.

Assistant Immigration minister Michaelia Cash said there will be penalties imposed on businesses that accept payments in exchange for sponsoring visa holders.

“We will proactively prosecute and name and shame offenders exploiting overseas workers and misusing the program,” she told News Corp.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/changes-to-457-visas-announced/story-fnkgbb6w-1227267575963