News

On 23 November 2013 laws in relation to labour market testing under the subclass 457 visa scheme came into effect.

It was announced yesterday that from 23 November 2013, standard business sponsors (i.e. 457 sponsors), will be required to undertake Labour Market Testing (LMT) prior to lodging a 457 nomination application.

In an effort to prevent the misuse of the subclass 457 visa scheme by some employers the government has introduced legislation into Parliament this month empowering the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to monitor and enforce conditions surrounding the employment of subclass 457 visa holders.

From 1 June 2013, new and harsher penalties will be in place for employers hiring illegal workers. The new scheme firmly makes the employer responsible for ensuring that all their employees have appropriate work rights.

In March 2013 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) made a number of significant changes to the range of short term work visas available.

On 1 July 2012, DIAC made significant changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).