457 visa: Australian Government to cut occupations list for skilled migrants

Australian government is now looking to reduce the job categories available under a 457 visa.

457 visa Source: AAP

The 457 visa debate continues.

Australian government is now looking to reduce the job categories available under a 457 visa.

On Friday, the government announced that cutting the stay of 457 visa holders from 90 days to 60 days, after their employment ceases in Australia, was just one among the many changes being introduced to the 457 visa program; on Sunday the government announced that they are now looking at reducing the job categories available to sponsor a skilled worker on a 457 visa.

Immigration minister Peter Dutton made the announcement about 457 visa changes. Source: AAP

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says the range of jobs expanded dramatically under the Labor government. He's told Sky News the 457 program is now under review. 

"We're having a look at it right now and I think it will be condensed. I think the list at the moment is expansive and I think we'll condense it and that work has already been underway for some time and we'll have a look at that very soon." 

Labor's Employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor has told the ABC, it's been too easy for Australian workers to be exploited by employers using 457 visas.

"There are occupations that are on that list that are being used by employers to look overseas first when you have a very significant number of unemployed people and it's not just the 457 visa - too often we're seeing exploitation, abuse and the over-use and misuse of that visa means downward pressure on wages."

WHICH OCCUPATIONS ARE LIKELY TO FACE THE AXE?

650 occupations are listed on the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List which is used to bring in skilled workers from abroad on the 457 visa program.

The list includes occupations such as teachers, journalists, doctors and tutors as well as computer programmers and IT professionals.

According to the Immigration Department, cooks were the most popular profession applied for by primary visa holders followed by those wanting to fill cafe/restaurant manager positions.

While the government hasn’t hinted at the occupations which may be removed from the list, some 52 occupations have been flagged for the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) which will be reviewed before next year’s SOL is released.