Australia’s 457 Temporary work visa program reviewed to protect locals from competition

Australia, January 22: A few measures have been introduced in the 457 Temporary work visa program by the Australian government to protect Australians from competition.

The latest measures that will come into effect from January 2010 onwards will make it mandatory for the employers to provide same wages to the Australian as well as overseas skilled workers. 

The measures will serve dual purpose of ensuring equivalent pay for Australian workers and removing the possibility of any disadvantage being meted out to the Australian workers in the labor market since the overseas will become more expensive to hire, stated Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration in Australia. 

So, as per the new rules of the 457 Temporary work visa program, skilled migrants from different countries will be able to gain entry into Australia to help the growing demands of the economic and labor market, but they will not, in any way, have any affect on the job opportunities for the Australian citizens. 

The Australian government has reiterated its assurance of keeping Australians ahead of the overseas migrant skilled workers coming in the country.  

Meanwhile, due to the introduction of legislation (Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Act 2009) in the month of September 2009, there has been a considerable decline in the number of 457 work visa applications and the salary rates.

The latest report by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship shows nearly 40 percent decline in both the number of applications and the grant rates. 

It may be worth mentioning that despite strict visa rules introduced for overseas workers by the Australian government, the country still tops the list of favored destinations for immigrants. As per the statistics of the year 2008, Australia’s population had nearly 25 percent people born in countries other than Australia. 

The fact is that even before becoming eligible for filing application for Australian PR, an immigrant needs to live at least for a minimum period of three years in Australia out of the last five years.