In the media
457 applications up 9.5 per cent
The Government says the overall trend is clear - more people are
coming in on temporary skilled worker visas. Latest figures show
that the number of 457 visa applications jumped by 9.5 per cent
this year, while the number of 457 visas granted grew by 6.6 per
cent. (08 March 2013). More...
Fair Work Building and Construction alleges construction
companies had sham contracts with foreign workers
Two NSW labour hire companies have engaged foreign workers as
contractors when they were really employees, the Fair Work Building
& Construction (FWBC) has alleged (06 March 2013).
More...
Immigration Minister defends 457 visa
crackdown
Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor has responded to
criticism of the Government's crackdown on 457 visas, providing
examples of how the system has been rorted (06 March 2013).
More...
457 debate
Ai Group Chief Executive, said the debate over Australia's 457
visa system risks running completely off the rails and becoming an
exercise in unfairly demonizing companies that are compelled to use
short term skilled foreign labour. No systemic rorting of the
system has been uncovered, and only three companies have been
prosecuted for misusing the system since 2009 (06 March 2013).
More...
New Laws Tackle Forced Marriage, People Trafficking And
Other Exploitation
New laws that criminalise forced marriage, forced labour and organ
trafficking have been passed by the Australian Parliament. The
amendments to the Commonwealth Criminal Code, under the Crimes
Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People
Trafficking) Bill, will ensure all forms of exploitation are
addressed (27 February 2013).
More...
Published – articles, papers, reports
Subclass 457 State – Territory Summary Report July
2012 – January 2013 Author: Department for
Immigration and Citizenship
At January 31, there were more than 105,000 people in Australia
working on temporary 457 visas. That is an increase of 22.4 per
cent compared to January 2012.
More...
In practice and courts
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill The new offences reflect the Government's commitment to ensuring Australia fulfils its legislative obligations under the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. There will now be a maximum penalty of seven years jail for anyone trying to force vulnerable people into marriage (26 February 2013). More...
Strengthening the integrity of the subclass 457
program
Overview of changes being made to the Temporary Work (Skilled)
(subclass 457) program which are intended to take effect from 1
July 2013 (26 February 2013).
More...
Reminder: DIAC Visa Entitlement Verification Online
(VEVO) service
Employers may check the relevant identification details of
prospective employees, with their consent, to quickly confirm if
they are eligible to work in Australia. People with information
about illegal workers or visa overstayers are encouraged to call
the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623. More...
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.