Overseas workers will be allowed to work for a year without applying for 457 visas
The recommendations are implying that employers will not be asked to show they had initially attempted to have the work vacancies with Australian workers ahead of awarding them to foreigners.
With rates of unemployment at a 10-year high, the impact on the younger persons is going to be especially harsh. Already, youth unemployment is at alarming levels, yet the most of the 457 visa being approved are for persons who are below 30. 1 in 5 workers already on the 457 visas was receiving below-standard wages.
Ged Kearney, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions says that the proposed easing of requirements would undermine Australian work conditions and wages. According to her, the suggestion of extending the visas to 12 months could lead to more foreign workers exploitation.
Immigration and Border Protection Opposition spokesman Richard Marles says they as Labor Party were very concerned in relation to any suggestion of removing English language testing or labour market requirements.
Senator Michaelia Cash, a spokesman for the Immigration and Border Protection Assistant Minister, said the Coalition government totally supported the principle under which Australian nationals get precedence for domestic any job openings.
The spokesman went ahead to say that contrary to the claims being made by unions, a temporary labour migration program that is effectively managed is not going to threaten jobs in Australia. Instead, this is going to secure the outlook of businesses and nurture employment opportunities that will empower businesses to give employment to more Australians. This is critical towards restoring growth and essential in lifting productivity.
Submissions can be submitted before the end of the month on the skilled migration review ahead of the federal government of Australia responds.
Jenny Lambert, director of Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said all the stakeholders, inclusive of unions, must recognize that openings for Australians are improved by an economy that is strong and globally competitive. She stressed that the proposal by Department of Immigration was specific to highly expert skills.
