11 December 2007

No immediate change from new Australian immigration minister

The incoming Australian immigration minister has confirmed he will not make any immediate changes to Australia's immigration rules. In particular, he will not change the new 457 temporary Australian visa rules introduced in the final days of the previous government.

On October 1st new regulations placed restrictions on the entry of temporary foreign workers and recruiters have been calling for the repeal of these rules.

IT employers are especially concerned and industry group, the Information Technology Contract and Recruitment Authority (ITCRA), has called for the new government to consult with the industry.

ITCRA and the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA) are jointly lobbing for a transition period so that companies to implement the changes.

Over 1,000 people have not been able to obtain a 457 Australian visa since the new rules were introduced, the RCSA claims.

A spokesman for the new minister, Christ Evans, said: "The minister has not made a decision yet to alter the rules, but that's not to say that that may not change. He hasn't had a chance to consider it yet."

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.