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457 Australian Visa Program Vows to Protect Foreign Workers
The Department of Immigraton and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) reiterates its stand in protecting foreign workers who have migrated to Australia under the 457 Australian visa.
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December 2, 2006 (FPRC) -- The Department of Immigraton and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) reiterates its stand in protecting foreign workers who have migrated to Australia under the 457 Australian visa.
Despite sanctions against Australian companies who exploit skilled migrants and breach their sponsorship obligations, there still are reported cases of underpaid employees, arbitrary deductions, unfair working conditions, and other negligence.
According to the DIMA, the average salary that an overseas workers under the 457 program should be getting is in excess of $65 000, definitely far from being called “cheap labour”.
Which is just right because Australia recognises the continuing benefits it gets from foreign skilled workers. Australian migration allows smooth business operation in the country because skilled foreign professionals and tradespeople fill in temporary shortages.
Says Sandi Logan, National Communications Manager for DIMA, "the day-to-day reality of these skill shortages is that without available skilled workers Australian businesses and essential services cannot continue to operate."
As such, the 457 Australian immigration program decrees that workers who migrate to Australia be offered salaries of at least $39,100, or in regional areas, a salary equal to at least the industrial award. Besides this, employers must shoulder their employees' public health costs and return trip fare.
Logan warns that exploitation of migrant workers is unacceptable. DIMA continues to conduct unannounced workplace visits to assess the working conditions of foreign skilled workers and whether companies are complying with the Australian immigration policies set in visa 457.
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Keywords:
457 Australian visa, Australian visa, Immigration
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