Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review Report
Source: Australia. Barbara Deegan for Dept of Immigration and Citizenship
"The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today (14/11/08) released the report of the Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review conducted by industrial relations expert Barbara Deegan.
Ms Deegan was appointed in April to conduct a broad review into the integrity of the temporary skilled migration program (subclass 457 visa). The program is an uncapped scheme driven by labour market demand which enables employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions in Australia for up to four years.
The report has been referred to the Skilled Migration Consultative Panel, which comprises representatives from business and industry groups, state governments and unions.
The panel will provide feedback and advice to Government on the report, which includes recommendations to:
abolish the minimum salary level in favour of market rates of pay for all temporary visa holders on salaries less than $100 000
develop an accreditation system or risk matrix to ensure rapid processing of low-risk visa applications so employers can meet skills needs quickly
develop new lists setting out the skilled occupations for which temporary work visas can be granted
limit visa holders to a stay of no longer than eight years in Australia (i.e. two 4-year visas or four 2-year visas) while providing a pathway to permanent residency for those who have the required language skills. "