Australia Introduces Key Reforms to Temporary Work Visas to Boost Labour Market Mobility

The Australian Government has ushered in transformative changes to the nation’s immigration system. These new regulations significantly impact the Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457, Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482, and Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 visas.

BDO's Migration Services Principal Lawyer, Rebecca Thomson, said the changes provide temporary migrants with enhanced labour market mobility by allowing a maximum of 180 consecutive days to cease employment under their visa conditions.

“This change permits visa holders to work outside their nominated sponsor and in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination, Rebecca said. “The reforms aim to rectify the power imbalance faced by temporary migrant workers, often constrained by the 'golden handcuffs' of employer-sponsored visas.”

“By reducing dependency on a single employer, the new regulations empower workers to raise workplace issues, exit exploitative situations, and support investigations into unfair practices without jeopardizing their visa status.”

Rebecca said the changes are designed to help employers as well as skilled migrants. “Employers will benefit from increased productivity and a more dynamic labour market as workers gain greater flexibility. However, they will need to adapt by focusing on retaining skilled migrant workers who now have more freedom to switch employers.

“The Australian Government's broader Migration Strategy indicates future changes to employer-sponsored permanent residency eligibility, including potential modifications to the requirement of working with the same employer for two years. We will continue to monitor these developments."

 

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For media enquiries:
Tate Papworth
Manager, Media
E: tate.papworth@bdo.com.au
Ph: 0433 411 189