Further changes to the 457 visa program came into effect today, with the removal of some occupations from the standard sponsorship arrangements.

The occupations affected by this change include occupations in the tourism, clerical and agricultural industries.

It is the second major reform to the 457 program to be implemented in recent weeks, following the increase in the English language requirement on April 14.

These changes were among a series of measures the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced on April 1, aimed at ensuring the 457 program provided industry with needed skills, while not undermining local training and employment opportunities.

Labour agreements aim to provide a flexible response to the needs of industries experiencing skill shortages, while ensuring overseas recruitment does not affect long-term improvement of employment opportunities for Australians.

The agreements also apply increased rigour to the consideration of the merit of a request for foreign workers.

“This change will ensure employers using the 457 visa program to gain access to these occupations satisfy all their obligations under the program, including those on training,” a departmental spokesman said.

The latest change means employers wanting to recruit overseas workers in occupations listed under major groups five to seven on the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) can only do so by successfully negotiating a labour agreement with the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit the News section of the DIAC website, www.immi.gov.au

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