Turnbull Government abolishes 457 visa program
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced the abolition of the existing 457 visa program, to be replaced by a new visa classes that will tightly regulate foreign workers coming into Australia, ensuring they meet a genuine skills shortage in the country.
Under the new visa program will be a short-term two year stream, with a substantially reduced skills list able to qualify for this. A second visa class will be a four year stream focused on strategic skills, with a requirement for a higher level of English proficiency. Both visas will require a minimum of three years relevant work experience, and a criminal record check. The four year stream will likely require mandatory labour market testing.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton added that no permanent residency outcomes will be permitted at the end of the two year stream.
A fee of $1150 will apply for the two year, short-term visa and a fee of $2400 will apply for the four year, medium-term visa.
Expat’s Comments:
• It should be noted that Prime Minister Turnbull’s announcement does not indicate that any prospective changes have been legislated to date, and thus it does not appear to have immediate effect on the current subclass 457 scheme.
• Immigration Minister Peter Dutton will address the media in Canberra later on Tuesday, April 18th, with further details.
• Expat will advise of all updates as they come to hand.
• 457 employment applications already lodged with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection will be processed under current subclass 457 legislation.
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