Australia reduce stay of skilled visa holders to 60 days, not good for Indians

In what can be termed as a disappointing news, Australia has announced modifications to the 457 visa for skilled foreign workers to restrict their ability to look for another job once their official employment completes, a move that is surely going to have an impact on Indians working in Australia.

With this move, foreign workers on a 457 visa ill only now be able to stay in the country for a period of two months after their employment ends instead of 90.

Talking about the 457 visa, it gives a foreign worker and their family an opportunity to come to Australia for up to four years after being sponsored by a specific company to fill a position for which they are not able to find an Australian or permanent resident.

The largest number of workers come from India.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said, “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 toassist in ensuring that the 457 programme metits intent of acting as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, Australian workers apart from reducingthe 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.”

The minister added that the government objective was to make sure that Australian workers have priority.