After being swamped by industry complaints about the crippling impact of abolishing the 457 visa on sectors such as mining, science and technology and hospitality, the Department of Immigration has called for key industry groups and corporations to urgently agree on the occupations which they believe need to be put back on the list.
Here are the 7 jobs that the industry is fighting to have returned to the list of eligible occupations for 457 visas.
- Ships engineers, masters and officers
- Flying instructors
- Aircraft maintenance engineers
- Aircraft and helicopter pilots
- Petroleum engineers
- Gas operators
- Drillers
Sectors affected by the 457 visa changes are pulling together evidence to present to the Department as soon as this Monday. The evidence will address why Australian nationals cannot do these critical jobs and the economic impact of banning these occupations from 457 visas as announced by the Government on 18 April 2018.
The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) has warned about the implications for the maritime support sector, saying the risks to Australia’s key offshore oil and gas projects are particularly serious. Some AMMA members are concerned their operations will no longer be viable without the ability to secure senior international experts to work on their vessels and rigs.
“Sourcing skilled international workers in key technical roles is a small, but vitally important part of many resource operations,” said AMMA director industry services, Tara Diamond.
“Each one of these international roles supports dozens of jobs undertaken by Australians we work and compete in a highly mobile, globalised industry,” she said.
Interstaff is preparing a submission to the Government addressing the business risks to industries such as Australia’s oil and gas sector if the Government maintains its announced restrictions on the 457 visa program. If you have any feedback on how the changes affect you and your business, we invite you to contact us at visas@interstaff.com
Read about the announced 457 visa changes here or for advice on the 457 visa changes and how they affect you or your business, contact Interstaff’s migration agents on 08 9221 3388 or visas@interstaff.com
Source:
Interstaff
Australian Financial Review