More and more people are applying to work Down Under via the 457 Visa. This has however resulted in the need for a more efficient and quicker visa processing service.
The Australian government has shifted their immigration focus away from the need for permanent immigration to favouring the temporary worker instead. This is in order not to hinder the job opportunities of locals.
Three new centres have been established in order to cope with the rise in 457 and other temporary visa applications and the increase in demand of Australian companies seeking foreign talent.
As immigration minister Chris Evans says, "Earlier this year, I directed the department to clear a backlog of about 13 000 temporary skilled migration visa applications on hand since March, many of which were outside the acceptable standards of processing."
Such a demand for temporary workers has also resulted in employers and recruitment agents calling for the easing of 457 restrictions in order for them to cope with their needs and the constant demand in sectors such as accountancy and finance.
Australia is suffering from major occupational shortages; therefore much effort has gone into retaining local talent and attracting foreign skills. Australia's high employment rate, together with the need to retain the current economic boom has therefore resulted in the government turning to foreigners coming to the country on a temporary basis.
Immigration department data released last month shows that 110,570 visas were granted to temporary skilled workers and their dependents in 2007-08, up from 87,310 in 2006-07.
Senator Evans noted that accountancy was the top occupation for the permanent skilled migration program - averaging 9,000 to 10,000 places each year for the past three years.
Source: Global Visas, Simon Wallace - 20/08/2008
Showing posts with label 457. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 457. Show all posts
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Australian Skilled Migration gets an A+
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans said yesterday the temporary skilled migration (subclass 457 visa) program has been a success during 2007-08.
New data shows an increase of 27% from last year in the numbers of 457 visas granted to foreign workers. This in turn means a greater number of positions in the Australian workforce are being filled by overseas workers migrating to Australia.
In fact 110,570 visas were granted last year to temporary visas and their dependents, compared to 87,310 in 2006-07.
New South Wales is the biggest user of the scheme, while Western Australia increased its usage by 40 per cent last year. 81 per cent of the workers on a subclass 457 visa were highly skilled professionals, such as IT professionals, nurses, and business professionals. The average nominated base salary is currently sitting on $73,100.
UK residents comprise the largest group of foreign workers on a temporary visa for Australia, making up one quarter of the 110,000. The conversion rate of temporary visas to permanent residency is also up by 30 per cent; nearly 25,000 subclass 457 visa holders became permanent residents last year.
The Government is currently using the scheme to fill nominated positions in the workforce which are highest in demand. The Minister has said it is vital to fill these positions at a time when the unemployment rate is low, in order to maintain the country’s economic momentum.
The Government also recently introduced legislative changes to the Migration Act so that the rights of lower-skilled workers can be protected from abuse from employers.
New data shows an increase of 27% from last year in the numbers of 457 visas granted to foreign workers. This in turn means a greater number of positions in the Australian workforce are being filled by overseas workers migrating to Australia.
In fact 110,570 visas were granted last year to temporary visas and their dependents, compared to 87,310 in 2006-07.
New South Wales is the biggest user of the scheme, while Western Australia increased its usage by 40 per cent last year. 81 per cent of the workers on a subclass 457 visa were highly skilled professionals, such as IT professionals, nurses, and business professionals. The average nominated base salary is currently sitting on $73,100.
UK residents comprise the largest group of foreign workers on a temporary visa for Australia, making up one quarter of the 110,000. The conversion rate of temporary visas to permanent residency is also up by 30 per cent; nearly 25,000 subclass 457 visa holders became permanent residents last year.
The Government is currently using the scheme to fill nominated positions in the workforce which are highest in demand. The Minister has said it is vital to fill these positions at a time when the unemployment rate is low, in order to maintain the country’s economic momentum.
The Government also recently introduced legislative changes to the Migration Act so that the rights of lower-skilled workers can be protected from abuse from employers.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Australia sees the need for speed
Three new Australian 'Centres of Excellence' have been established in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne to speed up the processing of temporary 457 visa applications for employers seeking to employ overseas workers.
This is in response to the increasing demand in Australia for skilled workers in the labour sector.
The 457 visa allows Australian employers to employ skilled workers from abroad to fill occupations in Australia on a temporary basis for between three months and four years.
Statistics show that in June 2007, an average of 400 cases was processed within seven days whereas in June 2008, more than 1200 applicants were granted visas within a week,
Minister of Immigration, Chris Evans said that "The 457 program is critical to meeting the current labour market demands and the new Centres of Excellence will continue to improve the effectiveness of the processing of visas.”
Australian immigration authorities were dealing with a backlog of about 13,000 subclass 457 visa applications since March. That backlog has since been cleared.
This is in response to the increasing demand in Australia for skilled workers in the labour sector.
The 457 visa allows Australian employers to employ skilled workers from abroad to fill occupations in Australia on a temporary basis for between three months and four years.
Statistics show that in June 2007, an average of 400 cases was processed within seven days whereas in June 2008, more than 1200 applicants were granted visas within a week,
Minister of Immigration, Chris Evans said that "The 457 program is critical to meeting the current labour market demands and the new Centres of Excellence will continue to improve the effectiveness of the processing of visas.”
Australian immigration authorities were dealing with a backlog of about 13,000 subclass 457 visa applications since March. That backlog has since been cleared.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Specialist Insurance for Temporary Australian Visa Holders
Australian migrants on a temporary Australian visa can now get life cover while abroad thanks to AXA Insurance. With AXA Insurance recently upgrading its services, migrants holding a subclass 457 visa can get a two-year income protection policy.
With over 83,000 skilled temporary visa holders in Australia, AXA Insurance’s move would enable the firm to crack into an untapped market. A market, which as far as trends are showing is constantly increasing over time.
This is the first policy of this kind of cover available to these migrants holding temporary Australian visas, which means each application would have to be considered individually. Another bonus with this policy is that if migrants were to take up permanent residency in Australia the cover could continue.
With over 83,000 skilled temporary visa holders in Australia, AXA Insurance’s move would enable the firm to crack into an untapped market. A market, which as far as trends are showing is constantly increasing over time.
This is the first policy of this kind of cover available to these migrants holding temporary Australian visas, which means each application would have to be considered individually. Another bonus with this policy is that if migrants were to take up permanent residency in Australia the cover could continue.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Western Australia Needs 18,000 Extra Workers Every Year
Unprecedented economic growth in Western Australia means that up to 17,800 extra skilled workers will be desperately needed every year for the next ten years, according to a report launched today by education and training minister Mark McGowan. Some of these skilled workers must come from Australia immigration.
The Beyond the Resources Boom study was commissioned by the State Training Board (STB), and examines Western Australia's economic growth and the challenges faced by the state's workforce.
Skill shortages are set to remain a feature of the labour market, the report concludes, due to the strength of the economy and the ageing workforce. STB chairman Keith Spence said the demand would be met through a combination of general population growth, skilled immigration from interstate and overseas, and the development of local training initiatives.
Among the top performing occupations, in terms of projected annual average employment growth between 2006 and 2016, are intermediate mining and construction workers, plumbers, structural construction tradespersons, and mining, construction and related labourers. Demand for jobs in the mining and construction sectors is very high and a downturn is considered unlikely.
Many of these occupations are on the Australia Skilled Occupation List and the Australia MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List), which entitles people applying for Australian immigration to extra points.
Economic projections modeled by the report indicate there is unlikely to be a boom-bust scenario in the short to medium term. This reflects the resource-driven construction boom, which is underpinned by strong growth in demand from China and record commodity prices, particularly for the state's main export, iron ore.
Skilled occupations currently make up nearly 60 per cent of the workforce and the report forecasts that overall demand for higher skills in Western Australia is likely to remain constant as a proportion of the economy. Other skilled occupations in demand include managers, administrators, professionals, associate professionals, tradespersons and related clerical, sales, transport and production workers.
Source: Powerhomebiz.com
The Beyond the Resources Boom study was commissioned by the State Training Board (STB), and examines Western Australia's economic growth and the challenges faced by the state's workforce.
Skill shortages are set to remain a feature of the labour market, the report concludes, due to the strength of the economy and the ageing workforce. STB chairman Keith Spence said the demand would be met through a combination of general population growth, skilled immigration from interstate and overseas, and the development of local training initiatives.
Among the top performing occupations, in terms of projected annual average employment growth between 2006 and 2016, are intermediate mining and construction workers, plumbers, structural construction tradespersons, and mining, construction and related labourers. Demand for jobs in the mining and construction sectors is very high and a downturn is considered unlikely.
Many of these occupations are on the Australia Skilled Occupation List and the Australia MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List), which entitles people applying for Australian immigration to extra points.
Economic projections modeled by the report indicate there is unlikely to be a boom-bust scenario in the short to medium term. This reflects the resource-driven construction boom, which is underpinned by strong growth in demand from China and record commodity prices, particularly for the state's main export, iron ore.
Skilled occupations currently make up nearly 60 per cent of the workforce and the report forecasts that overall demand for higher skills in Western Australia is likely to remain constant as a proportion of the economy. Other skilled occupations in demand include managers, administrators, professionals, associate professionals, tradespersons and related clerical, sales, transport and production workers.
Source: Powerhomebiz.com
Tassie Job Crisis
TASMANIAN small businesses are facing a desperate struggle to find staff as the state's unemployment rate hits an all-time low.
Also, they are having to pay higher wages to retain the workers they do get in a market favouring job-seekers.
With unemployment at 4.4 per cent, the critical staff shortage, particularly in trained workers, has become a huge impediment to growth, the business sector says.
While the job figures are good news for the nation's jobseekers, it comes with a dark side.
Read more...
Article from: The Mercury; By Tim Martain
June 15, 2008
Also, they are having to pay higher wages to retain the workers they do get in a market favouring job-seekers.
With unemployment at 4.4 per cent, the critical staff shortage, particularly in trained workers, has become a huge impediment to growth, the business sector says.
While the job figures are good news for the nation's jobseekers, it comes with a dark side.
Read more...
Article from: The Mercury; By Tim Martain
June 15, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Minimum salary lifted up for 457 visas
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced that Minimum Salary Levels (MSLs) for temporary skilled overseas workers will increase by 3.8 per cent from 1 August 2008.
The increase is part of a package of reforms outlined in the Budget designed to improve the integrity of the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program.
"Minimum Salary Levels for temporary skilled migrant workers have been frozen for more than two years and previous increases applied only to new entrants," Senator Evans said.
"This increase will apply to new temporary skilled migrants coming to work in Australia as well as those already in the workforce who are subject to an MSL.
"The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 - November 2007.
"It increases the safety net for skilled migrant workers to help preserve their earnings power and protect them from exploitation in the workplace."
The change will increase the current standard MSL from $41,850 to $43,440 per annum. For ICT professionals, the MSL will rise to $59,480 from $57,300. In regional areas, the MSL will rise to $39,100 (from $37,665) and $53,530 (from $51,570) for ICT professionals.
If an industrial instrument, such as an award or agreement, prescribes a level of salary that is higher than the MSL, then this is the salary that must be paid under Australian law.
Senator Evans said the MSL change could apply to up to 24,000 temporary skilled workers, depending on whether their employer had made any upward salary adjustments since their arrival in Australia.
There are currently more than 68,000 primary 457 visa holders working in Australia, most of whom are professional employees on incomes higher than the MSL.
The Department will directly contact employer sponsors affected by this change prior to August. The Department will also run an information campaign to inform existing visa holders of the change.
"The 457 visa scheme is important for the continued economic growth of Australia and we must ensure that the community supports the program," Senator Evans said.
"We need to protect migrant workers from exploitation and ensure the wages and conditions of Australian workers are not undercut."
Senator Evans said that a Bill will be introduced into Parliament late this year to better define employers' obligations and employees' rights under the temporary skilled migration program.
"The legislation will create a robust monitoring and civil penalties framework for employers who do the wrong thing," Senator Evans said.
"We intend to expand the range of sanctions that may be imposed on unscrupulous employers by allowing the department to pursue financial penalties against employers who breach their sponsorship obligations.
"Currently, the department can only cancel or suspend an employer's approval as a business sponsor of temporary skilled workers.
"Penalties may range from $6,600 for an individual up to $33,000 for a corporation.
"This legislation, which is expected to be introduced into the Parliament in the spring sittings, goes further than that introduced by the previous government in providing a stronger monitoring and compliance regime for the
457 program as well as a number of other temporary visas."
Senator Evans said better information-sharing across both the government and the community would make the program more transparent and support the monitoring regime.
Stakeholder feedback on the proposed provisions of the Bill and associated regulations will be sought shortly.
"These measures build on reform already underway following the report of the business-led External Reference Group (ERG) and will complement work undertaken by industrial relations expert, Ms Barbara Deegan," Senator Evans said.
A comprehensive information strategy will also reduce the potential for exploitation by promoting awareness of rights and obligations of 457 visa holders and employer sponsors.
This strategy includes producing information packs in common community languages and face-to-face information sessions for new and existing visa holders.
"An expanded outreach officer network, as recommended by the ERG, will assist employers and other stakeholders to better understand the program and the application process," Senator Evans said.
"Complementing this, employers will need to make a personal declaration that they understand their obligations under the program.
"I want better information supplied to help employers get access to the program. Lack of information or understanding will be no excuse for the few who do the wrong thing."
In other reforms, DIAC and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will establish a formal inter-agency framework for considering labour agreement proposals.
23-May-08 by Edited announcement
The increase is part of a package of reforms outlined in the Budget designed to improve the integrity of the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program.
"Minimum Salary Levels for temporary skilled migrant workers have been frozen for more than two years and previous increases applied only to new entrants," Senator Evans said.
"This increase will apply to new temporary skilled migrants coming to work in Australia as well as those already in the workforce who are subject to an MSL.
"The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 - November 2007.
"It increases the safety net for skilled migrant workers to help preserve their earnings power and protect them from exploitation in the workplace."
The change will increase the current standard MSL from $41,850 to $43,440 per annum. For ICT professionals, the MSL will rise to $59,480 from $57,300. In regional areas, the MSL will rise to $39,100 (from $37,665) and $53,530 (from $51,570) for ICT professionals.
If an industrial instrument, such as an award or agreement, prescribes a level of salary that is higher than the MSL, then this is the salary that must be paid under Australian law.
Senator Evans said the MSL change could apply to up to 24,000 temporary skilled workers, depending on whether their employer had made any upward salary adjustments since their arrival in Australia.
There are currently more than 68,000 primary 457 visa holders working in Australia, most of whom are professional employees on incomes higher than the MSL.
The Department will directly contact employer sponsors affected by this change prior to August. The Department will also run an information campaign to inform existing visa holders of the change.
"The 457 visa scheme is important for the continued economic growth of Australia and we must ensure that the community supports the program," Senator Evans said.
"We need to protect migrant workers from exploitation and ensure the wages and conditions of Australian workers are not undercut."
Senator Evans said that a Bill will be introduced into Parliament late this year to better define employers' obligations and employees' rights under the temporary skilled migration program.
"The legislation will create a robust monitoring and civil penalties framework for employers who do the wrong thing," Senator Evans said.
"We intend to expand the range of sanctions that may be imposed on unscrupulous employers by allowing the department to pursue financial penalties against employers who breach their sponsorship obligations.
"Currently, the department can only cancel or suspend an employer's approval as a business sponsor of temporary skilled workers.
"Penalties may range from $6,600 for an individual up to $33,000 for a corporation.
"This legislation, which is expected to be introduced into the Parliament in the spring sittings, goes further than that introduced by the previous government in providing a stronger monitoring and compliance regime for the
457 program as well as a number of other temporary visas."
Senator Evans said better information-sharing across both the government and the community would make the program more transparent and support the monitoring regime.
Stakeholder feedback on the proposed provisions of the Bill and associated regulations will be sought shortly.
"These measures build on reform already underway following the report of the business-led External Reference Group (ERG) and will complement work undertaken by industrial relations expert, Ms Barbara Deegan," Senator Evans said.
A comprehensive information strategy will also reduce the potential for exploitation by promoting awareness of rights and obligations of 457 visa holders and employer sponsors.
This strategy includes producing information packs in common community languages and face-to-face information sessions for new and existing visa holders.
"An expanded outreach officer network, as recommended by the ERG, will assist employers and other stakeholders to better understand the program and the application process," Senator Evans said.
"Complementing this, employers will need to make a personal declaration that they understand their obligations under the program.
"I want better information supplied to help employers get access to the program. Lack of information or understanding will be no excuse for the few who do the wrong thing."
In other reforms, DIAC and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will establish a formal inter-agency framework for considering labour agreement proposals.
23-May-08 by Edited announcement
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Subclass 457 Long Stay Business Visa
For further information please refer to our office:
W: http://www.noborders-group.com
E: service@noborders-group.com
Ph: 0061 7 3876 4000
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