Fast food workers removed from 457 visa list

Fast food businesses in Australia will no longer be able to bring in foreign workers on 457 visas, it has been announced.

The country’s Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, has ended the Fast Food Industry Labour Agreement which saw hundreds of foreign workers take jobs at fast food outlets across Australia – often at the expense of young Australians.

“Australian workers, particularly young Australians, must be given priority,” Mr Dutton said. “Fast track arrangements for the fast food industry put in place in 2012 are not consistent with putting Australian workers first.”

The Minister continued: “The Coalition Government is committed to implementing reforms that strengthen Australia’s skilled migration programme to ensure overseas workers supplement rather than provide a substitute for Australian workers.

“Businesses can still make requests under normal labour agreement arrangements to ensure that exceptional circumstances can be considered.

“Genuine business needs for overseas workers which contribute to economic growth will still be considered.”

Article published 3rd March 2017