Australian Visa holders invited to immigration information sessions
October 05 2009 by Matt Jones
Australian immigration officials have reminded employers and Australian visa holders alike about information sessions taking place in the country this week.
Representatives for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) explained that the seminars, in the Cairns Regional Council building on 7th and 8th October, will outline details of reforms made to the subclass 457 visa last month.
“We encourage employers, visa holders and other stakeholders in the Cairns area to attend a seminar to gain an understanding of the changes, as well as ask questions about the reforms," said a DIAC spokesperson.
As a result of the changes made from 14th September, anyone seeking work in Australia on a subclass 457 visa must be paid at market rates.
Employers offering work in Australia have until 1st January 2010 to start paying the rates to existing subclass 457 visa holders, while employers who breach their sponsorship obligations may be liable for fines of up to $33,000.
One Canberra employer hit out at the changes to the rules on foreign work visa holders last month, claiming it prevented him from recruiting vital staff from the Philippines.
Fast-food boss Kingsley Varr said the new 457 business visa policy categorised his advertised positions as "in local demand", making it impossible to recruit foreigners to come and work in Australia for him.
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