An outreach officer from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will visit the Pilbara between May 25 and 29 to increase awareness of the recent changes to temporary business entry (subclass 457) and skilled migration programs.

In April, the Australian Government announced changes to the 457 program including an increased level of English language proficiency and changes to the minimum salary level.

This followed the announcement in December of a revision to the migration program for the second half of 2008-09 so that skilled migrants who have a confirmed job, or have skills in critical need, would be given priority for a permanent visa to come to Australia.

To help employers and overseas workers in Karratha and Port Hedland understand the changes, the outreach officer will run information seminars and be available for individual appointments in both towns for employers, stakeholders, government agencies and 457 visa holders about employer-sponsored visa options for skilled workers.

“DIAC places great importance on providing services to regional areas and regular outreach visits are a large part of that,” a DIAC spokesman said.

“While the department has a great deal of information available over the phone or on the Internet, some people prefer to speak to officers face-to-face, and these visits are about meeting that need.”

An information session for employers, stakeholder and government agencies will run from 12.30-2.30pm May 25 at Welcome Lotteries House, Morse Court, Karratha.

Later that day, an information session for subclass 457 visa holders will run from 5-7pm at the same location and will also include information on family migration and citizenship.

Similar sessions will be run at the same times on May 27 at the All Seasons Hotel at McGregor Street in Port Hedland.

The DIAC outreach officer will also be available for pre-booked individual appointments from 9.30am-5pm on May 26 at the Pilbara Development Commission on Welcome Road, Karratha.

The officer will be available for pre-booked individual consultations between 9.30am and 4pm at the commission’s Port Hedland office on Wedge Street on May 29.

For more information about the sessions or to book appointments, phone 08 9415 9705 or email roo.wa@immi.gov.au

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