Australia 457 visa program: Australia has made some major changes in its 457 visa program that is deemed to affect the Indians there. After the employment period is over, the immigrant will now be allowed to stay for another 60 days in the country while earlier this time period was 90 days.
Australia 457 visa program changed, will adversely affect the Indians there
“From November 19, 2016, the period that a subclass 457 visa holder may remain in Australia after their employment ceases will be reduced from 90 days to 60 days…The change is expected to assist in ensuring that the 457 programme met its intent of acting as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, Australian workers apart from reducing the vulnerability of 457 visa holders, who were only permitted to work for an approved sponsor and were not eligible for unemployment benefits, from entering into informal employment arrangements.”
-Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said on Wednesday
He further said that the decision has been taken to help the Australians gain employment since with the coming of foreign skilled immigrants; the Australians have been rendered jobless. “This change is about reducing competition from overseas workers for those Australians who are actively looking for work”, said he.
He also said that the contribution made by the foreign skilled employees is valuable to Australia but in case there is an Australian who is willing to work and is skilled as well, he will be preferred for employment over the immigrants.
