Protection for 457 visa workers
Nicola Berkovic; 30/6/08
Harsh penalties for employers of 457 visa workers and increased powers for immigration officers are part of a shake-up of Australia’s temporary skilled migration program to be proposed today by the Rudd Government. Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the new laws would help prevent the exploitation of foreign workers and ensure the wages and conditions of Australian workers were not undercut. Senator Evans will today release a discussion paper on proposed reforms to the 457 visa regime, as part of a major review promised in April. Proposed changes include expanded powers for immigration officers to enter and search workplaces to determine whether employers are complying with sponsorship obligations.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23943218-5013404,00.html
Visa law changes may block strike-breakers
Lucy Battersby; 30/6/08
Employers will be banned from importing foreign workers to break industrial action and be responsible for the health, accommodation and travel costs of employees brought in on 457 visas under proposed new immigration laws. Other proposals put forward in a discussion paper, to be launched today by Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans, include forcing employers to pay the education costs for the children of 457 visa holders.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/national/visa-law-changes-may-block-strikebreakers-20080630-2yya.html
Tags: Australia, Refugees & Migrants, Strike-breakers, Workers