From 19th November, the period that subclass 457 visa holders may remain in Australia after their employment ceases will be reduced from 90 days to 60 days.
The change will assist in ensuring that the 457 programme meets its intent of acting as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, Australian workers.
The change will also reduce the vulnerability of 457 visa holders, who are only permitted to work for an approved sponsor and who are not eligible for unemployment benefits, from entering into informal employment arrangements.
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the Australian Government is committed to ensuring that Australian workers have priority and to reducing the potential for temporary visa holders to be exploited.
“This change is about reducing competition from overseas workers for those Australians who are actively looking for work” Mr Dutton said. “The Government values the contribution made by the many skilled persons who work in Australia on 457 visas, but where there is an Australian worker ready, willing and able to perform a role it is the Government’s policy that they have priority.”
The Government’s approach compares with that of the former Labour Government, which increased the time that 457 visa holders may remain in Australia when they cease employment from 28 days to 90 days in June 2013.
Under the current Coalition government, the number of 457 visa holders in Australia has fallen by around 13,000, while over the same period almost half a million new jobs have been created for Australian workers
The reduction from 90 days to 60 days will apply to 457 visas granted on, or after, 19th November 2016.
This change to 457 visa arrangements is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure integrity in the programme.
Article published 16th November 2016