Despite dramatic drops in applications for 457 visas during 2009, the Federal Government will continue with its plans to tighten regulation of employers relying on migrant workers.
Primary visa applications dropped 45% between June 2008 and June 2009 and registered nurses was the only occupation that showed any increase in the number of applications.
Since July 2009 the Government has implemented formal skillls assessments and increased the English language requirement for trade occupations. Next month will see the introduction of a market-based minimum salary for temporary overseas workers and a requirement that employers applying to engage overseas workers have demonstrated their commitment to employing local labour.
These changes also follow reductions in places available in the skilled migration categories.
