Privatising Australian visa system could result in access to the country being ‘sold to higher bidder’ union warns. Australia remains an attractive visa destination.
Australia and New Zealand Immigration News
New Zealand visas and the need for 1,000 Irish truck driver immigrants who are likely to be paid about double the hourly rate in Ireland
Top scientific research positions in Australia are being shunned by talented overseas scientists following a raft of changes to the country’s 457 visasystem. Australia’s medical sector claims that federal government changes to the much maligned visa scheme have caused ‘embarrassment’ to the country.
One of Australia’s leading medical researchers claims that at least six institutes have seen job offers declined by brilliant scientists abroad because of the recent visa overhaul. Tony Cunningham, president of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes, has expressed serious concern about the 457 visa changes.
Australian business leaders, along with a former chief of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), have launched a scathing attack on the Turnbull government over 457 visa changes. Business leaders and former WTO director, Pascal Lamy, have accused the federal government of ‘threatening the economy’ and branding foreigners as ‘barbarians.’
A $5,000 levy for Australian highly-skilled visas will soon be introduced. A yearly foreign worker levy of $1,200 or $1,800 per worker will be applied to temporary work visas. Meanwhile, employers sponsoring permanent skilled worker visas will be subject to a $3,000 or $5,000 charge.
Australian 457 visa scheme is to be scrapped. There has been some concerns about the scheme. But some have criticised the decision as being based on right wing populism.