Visa Solutions Australia

Visa Solutions Australia

We have a new web page at www.visasolutions.com.au and our contact telephone number is now +61893282664 or you can call us free of charge at 1800828008 if you are in Australia.

Please note that Dan has a new mobile number at +61408111315 so update your contact details if you need to!

Call us for expert visa and immigration advice that you can rely on!

www.visasolutions.com.au

Minimum Salary Level Increase For 457 Visa Holders

Media Release

Date: 23 May 2008

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced that Minimum Salary Levels (MSLs) for temporary skilled overseas workers will increase by 3.8 per cent from 1 August 2008.

The increase is part of a package of reforms outlined in the Budget designed to improve the integrity of the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program.

“Minimum Salary Levels for temporary skilled migrant workers have been frozen for more than two years and previous increases applied only to new entrants,” Senator Evans said.

“This increase will apply to new temporary skilled migrants coming to work in Australia as well as those already in the workforce who are subject to an MSL.

“The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 – November 2007.

“It increases the safety net for skilled migrant workers to help preserve their earnings power and protect them from exploitation in the workplace.”

The change will increase the current standard MSL from $41,850 to $43,440 per annum. For ICT professionals, the MSL will rise to $59,480 from $57,300. In regional areas, the MSL will rise to $39,100 (from $37,665) and $53,530 (from $51,570) for ICT professionals.

If an industrial instrument, such as an award or agreement, prescribes a level of salary that is higher than the MSL, then this is the salary that must be paid under Australian law.

Senator Evans said the MSL change could apply to up to 24,000 temporary skilled workers, depending on whether their employer had made any upward salary adjustments since their arrival in Australia.

There are currently more than 68,000 primary 457 visa holders working in Australia, most of whom are professional employees on incomes higher than the MSL.

The Department will directly contact employer sponsors affected by this change prior to August. The Department will also run an information campaign to inform existing visa holders of the change.

“The 457 visa scheme is important for the continued economic growth of Australia and we must ensure that the community supports the program,” Senator Evans said.

“We need to protect migrant workers from exploitation and ensure the wages and conditions of Australian workers are not undercut.”

Senator Evans said that a Bill will be introduced into Parliament late this year to better define employers’ obligations and employees’ rights under the temporary skilled migration program.

“The legislation will create a robust monitoring and civil penalties framework for employers who do the wrong thing,” Senator Evans said.

“We intend to expand the range of sanctions that may be imposed on unscrupulous employers by allowing the department to pursue financial penalties against employers who breach their sponsorship obligations.

“Currently, the department can only cancel or suspend an employer’s approval as a business sponsor of temporary skilled workers.

“Penalties may range from $6,600 for an individual up to $33,000 for a corporation.

“This legislation, which is expected to be introduced into the Parliament in the spring sittings, goes further than that introduced by the previous government in providing a stronger monitoring and compliance regime for the 457 program as well as a number of other temporary visas.”

Senator Evans said better information-sharing across both the government and the community would make the program more transparent and support the monitoring regime.

Stakeholder feedback on the proposed provisions of the Bill and associated regulations will be sought shortly.

“These measures build on reform already underway following the report of the business-led External Reference Group (ERG) and will complement work undertaken by industrial relations expert, Ms Barbara Deegan,” Senator Evans said.

A comprehensive information strategy will also reduce the potential for exploitation by promoting awareness of rights and obligations of 457 visa holders and employer sponsors.

This strategy includes producing information packs in common community languages and face-to-face information sessions for new and existing visa holders.

“An expanded outreach officer network, as recommended by the ERG, will assist employers and other stakeholders to better understand the program and the application process,” Senator Evans said.

“Complementing this, employers will need to make a personal declaration that they understand their obligations under the program.

“I want better information supplied to help employers get access to the program. Lack of information or understanding will be no excuse for the few who do the wrong thing.”

In other reforms, DIAC and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will establish a formal inter-agency framework for considering labour agreement proposals.

Media Release - Minimum salary level increment (subclass 457)

This is an official release from Minister Evans' office in relation to Minimum salary level increment for subclass 457 which has been announced this morning.

--
Daniel Engles
InterStaff Recruitment Ltd
MARN 0213485 The Australian Government requires that people who give immigration assistance be registered as a Migration Agent

Phone: (+618) 9221 3388
Mobile: (+61)413024966
Fax: (+61 8) 6267 8084

Email: dengles@interstaff.com Web: www.interstaff.com
Postal Address: GPO Box U1969 Perth, WA 6845

Immigration Alert : 457 visas - MSL increase and employer sponsorship tightening

IMMIGRATION ALERT: 457 visas – MSL INCREASE AND EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP TIGHTENING

 

For information we attach today's Media Release on 457 temporary work visas.

 

The MSL increase is to take effect on 1 August 2008, with stronger sponsorship obligation and compliance legislation due later in the year.

 

Also foreshadowed is a DIAC and DEEWR joint agency to consider labour agreement proposals.

 

These developments have been foreseen in recent InterStaff client briefings, and we have established a specialist sponsorship monitoring service for employers in anticipation.

 

For enquiries about that service: email enquiry@interstaff.com – Attention Legal

 

MARN: 9250857

 

 

 

 

David Jolly

Manager – Business Services

InterStaff Recruitment Ltd

(   08 9221 3388  I  4 08 9221 3332 I
:  djolly@interstaff.com
* GPO Box U1969, Perth,  WA 6845

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information contained herein and any attachments are intended solely for the named recipients. It may contain privileged confidential information.  If you are not an intended recipient, please delete the message and any attachments then notify the sender.  Any use or disclosure of the contents of either is unauthorised and may be unlawful. Any liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

 

--
Daniel Engles
InterStaff Recruitment Ltd
MARN 0213485 The Australian Government requires that people who give immigration assistance be registered as a Migration Agent

Phone: (+618) 9221 3388
Mobile: (+61)413024966
Fax: (+61 8) 6267 8084

Email: dengles@interstaff.com Web: www.interstaff.com
Postal Address: GPO Box U1969 Perth, WA 6845

Fwd: Media Release 23 May, 2008

Media Release 23 May, 2008

Minimum Salary Level Increase For 457 Visa Holders The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced that Minimum Salary Levels (MSLs) for temporary skilled overseas workers will increase by 3.8 per cent from 1 August 2008. The increase is part of a package of reforms outlined in the Budget designed to improve the integrity of the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program. "Minimum Salary Levels for temporary skilled migrant workers have been frozen for more than two years and previous increases applied only to new entrants," Senator Evans said. "This increase will apply to new temporary skilled migrants coming to work in Australia as well as those already in the workforce who are subject to an MSL. "The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 – November 2007. "It increases the safety net for skilled migrant workers to help preserve their earnings power and protect them from exploitation in the workplace." The change will increase the current standard MSL from $41,850 to $43,440 per annum. For ICT professionals, the MSL will rise to $59,480 from $57,300. In regional areas, the MSL will rise to $39,100 (from $37,665) and $53,530 (from $51,570) for ICT professionals. If an industrial instrument, such as an award or agreement, prescribes a level of salary that is higher than the MSL, then this is the salary that must be paid under Australian law. Senator Evans said the MSL change could apply to up to 24,000 temporary skilled workers, depending on whether their employer had made any upward salary adjustments since their arrival in Australia. There are currently more than 68,000 primary 457 visa holders working in Australia, most of whom are professional employees on incomes higher than the MSL. The Department will directly contact employer sponsors affected by this change prior to August. The Department will also run an information campaign to inform existing visa holders of the change. "The 457 visa scheme is important for the continued economic growth of Australia and we must ensure that the community supports the program," Senator Evans said. "We need to protect migrant workers from exploitation and ensure the wages and conditions of Australian workers are not undercut." Senator Evans said that a Bill will be introduced into Parliament late this year to better define employers' obligations and employees' rights under the temporary skilled migration program. "The legislation will create a robust monitoring and civil penalties framework for employers who do the wrong thing," Senator Evans said. "We intend to expand the range of sanctions that may be imposed on unscrupulous employers by allowing the department to pursue financial penalties against employers who breach their sponsorship obligations. "Currently, the department can only cancel or suspend an employer's approval as a business sponsor of temporary skilled workers. "Penalties may range from $6,600 for an individual up to $33,000 for a corporation. "This legislation, which is expected to be introduced into the Parliament in the spring sittings, goes further than that introduced by the previous government in providing a stronger monitoring and compliance regime for the 457 program as well as a number of other temporary visas." Senator Evans said better information-sharing across both the government and the community would make the program more transparent and support the monitoring regime. Stakeholder feedback on the proposed provisions of the Bill and associated regulations will be sought shortly. "These measures build on reform already underway following the report of the business-led External Reference Group (ERG) and will complement work undertaken by industrial relations expert, Ms Barbara Deegan," Senator Evans said. A comprehensive information strategy will also reduce the potential for exploitation by promoting awareness of rights and obligations of 457 visa holders and employer sponsors. This strategy includes producing information packs in common community languages and face-to-face information sessions for new and existing visa holders. "An expanded outreach officer network, as recommended by the ERG, will assist employers and other stakeholders to better understand the program and the application process," Senator Evans said. "Complementing this, employers will need to make a personal declaration that they understand their obligations under the program. "I want better information supplied to help employers get access to the program. Lack of information or understanding will be no excuse for the few who do the wrong thing." In other reforms, DIAC and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will establish a formal inter-agency framework for considering labour agreement proposals.

Interstaff Recruitment Ltd Level 8, 553 Hay Street Perth WA 6000 GPO Box U1969 Perth WA 6845 P: (61 8) 9221 3388 | F: (61 8) 9221 3332 enquiry@interstaff.com.au interstaff.com.au

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--
Daniel Engles
InterStaff Recruitment Ltd
MARN 0213485 The Australian Government requires that people who give immigration assistance be registered as a Migration Agent

Phone: (+618) 9221 3388
Mobile: (+61)413024966
Fax: (+61 8) 6267 8084

Email: dengles@interstaff.com Web: www.interstaff.com
Postal Address: GPO Box U1969 Perth, WA 6845

Newsflash September 2007

NEWSFLASH
SEPTEMBER 2007

This is a client newsletter from Visa Solutions Australia on immigration and related matters. As the immigration rules to Australia are constantly changing, this newsletter aims to keep clients up to date on the recent changes that may affect employers and candidates in relation to Australia's immigration laws.

keep up!

Clients may well be struggling to keep up with the number and scope of changes to visa and immigration laws and regulations over the second half of 2007. While many of these changes relate to the sc457 visas, the rules for Skilled Migration have also changed. Employers and employees participating in the sc457 visa scheme were subject to changes in July (English language); August (Employer Sanctions), September (minimum salary changes) and October will likely see further changes (the Sponsorship Bill). To discuss any of these issues please contact our office or email 457@visasolutions.com.au .

English language exemption
Holders of sc457 visas on 1 July 2007 will not be required to prove English language skills if they make a further application for a sc457 visa providing the length of the subsequent application is shorter than the time remaining on the current visa. This change will allow numerous temporary workers from non-English speaking countries who are in Australia at present to make an application for a further visa and perhaps set up a pathway to permanent residence.

More ways to calculate the msl!
From 10 September 2007 a new Gazette notice came into effect with major implications for all companies that sponsor 457 visa holders into Australia. The change to the rules include two new ways to calculate the Minimum Salary Level (MSL) and identifies five relevant minimum salary levels. A critical change is that the minimum salary will rise as the weekly hours worked rise above 38 hours per week. Any deductions from an employee's salary may breach sponsorship obligations. To discuss these key changes email 457@visasolutions.com.au

457 Nominations!
New rules effective from 10 September indicate that where an occupation is removed from the Gazette notice, the 457 visa may not be approved, even where the nomination is approved! However, there is scope to provide a refund where this is the case. This may herald forthcoming changes to the occupations demand list. Employees on 457 visas wishing to secure permanent residence should discuss the matter with employers as a priority!

skilled visa changes…
From 1 September 2007, important changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme commenced. Students wishing to apply for a GSM visa will now be required to have a stronger understanding of the English language and undertake relevant work experience. The points test was adjusted to benefit applicants with advanced Australian tertiary qualifications, Australian skilled work experience and strong English language skills.

what's work? – condition 8112
The Government has clarified the purpose of condition 8112 which states that a visa holder must not engage in work in Australia that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This condition is always applied to sc456 and sc977 visas. Call our office if this affects your employees.

Skills shortages continues!
A recent report by the WA State Training Board estimated that some 17,800 additional skilled workers will be required in Western Australia over the next 10 years. With that volume of skilled workers required in Western Australia alone, it is hard to see how the new complex visa laws will assist!

lies, damn lies, statistics?
A total of 148,200 permanent visas were granted for 2006-07 of which 97,920 were skilled visas. The average age of skilled stream entrants is 31 years. The top occupation for skilled stream entrants is accountancy (10,688), followed by computing professionals (4,044) and registered nurses (2,088). The top five countries of origin for skilled stream entrants were: United Kingdom (24,800), India (15,865), China (14,688), South Africa (4,293) and Malaysia (3,838).

Unannounced site visits!
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has advised employers that it will commence unannounced site visits in relation to the sc457 scheme. Employers who have sc457 employees should be aware of the terms of the visa and the right of entry of Department of Immigration and Citizenship officers and the documents that may be required to be provided.

where's the fast lane?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is developing the criteria which may be used to determine which companies and 457 visa applications may be able to access new fast track arrangements. These arrangements should be in place by the March quarter of 2008 and will likely be accompanied by significant penalties where the guidelines are not followed. Early indications are that the fast track option will only be available to well recognised companies for occupations in ASCO levels 1 and 2 and where the minimum salary is greater than $75,000 per annum. Other criteria may also apply.

offshore skill assessments commence!
Offshore skill assessments commenced from 1 September 2007. The new assessment arrangements apply to any applicant whose country of residence is the United Kingdom, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the Philippines who are seeking skills assessment in the following trades: Electrician, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic, Motor Mechanics, Carpenter and Joiner, Electrical Powerline Tradesperson, Cable Jointer and Bricklayer.

These changes apply only to potential migrants in the specified countries and in the nominated trades. Trades Recognition Australia will continue to be the assessing authority for these trades in all other countries.

changes to jobs in demand!
For the record, clients should note that the migration occupations in demand list changed at the end of July 2007. The new occupations added are Architect, Computing Professional (Sybase SQL Server), External Auditor, Quantity Surveyor, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical), Furniture Finisher, Locksmith, Optical Mechanic and Painter & Decorator. There was one occupation removed from the list - General Electronic Instrument Tradesperson.

you're nicked!
Clients should note that enhanced 457 monitoring and sanction powers are due to come into effect. The changes include new civil penalties for employers who breach the law; greater powers for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and the Workplace Ombudsman, to investigate employers. Tougher penalties will apply if employers breach their sponsorship obligations.

New civil penalties will apply to those employers who commit the most serious offences. The Department will also be given stronger powers to enforce employer compliance with the 457 visa programme, including; ensuring employees are paid the minimum salary levels and, are not being employed in unskilled positions.

On the horizon...
The major issue for employers and employees who utilise the sc457 visa scheme over the next month will be the introduction of the Migration Amendment (Sponsorship Obligations) Bill 2007. The Bill is intended to ensure that sponsors of temporary skilled workers abide by their obligations under the 457 visa programme. All existing and future 457 sponsors will be required to meet the new obligations which will replace the current undertakings. A new suite of civil penalties will complement the existing administrative sanctions regime.

Daniel Engles
Registered Migration Agent No. 0213485
The Australian Government requires that people who give immigration assistance be registered as a Migration Agent

Phone: (+61 8) 9328 2664
Mobile: (+61)413024966
Fax: (+61 8) 6267 8084
Email: dan@visasolutions.com.au Web: www.visasolutions.com.au
Postal Address: PO Box 369 Leederville WA 6903


Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment and information only and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained in or implied by this publication without taking appropriate professional advice. All financial figures are quoted in Australian Dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The information contained herein and any attachments are intended solely for the named recipients. It may contain privileged confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, please delete the message and any attachments then notify the sender. Any use or disclosure of the contents of either is unauthorised and may be unlawful. Any liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If you do not wish to receive further news, updates and information via email from Visa Solutions Australia please click on this email address remove@VisaSolutions.com.au and type 'please remove me' in the subject line and you will be deleted from our data base. Thank You.

WA's LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Figures released today from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show Western Australia has the lowest unemployment rate of all the States at 3.1 per cent and significantly lower than the Australian unemployment figure of 4.3 per cent.

The State’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.2 per cent last month, while the rest of the country remained steady.

Last month, 3,300 new jobs were created in WA, bringing the State’s participation rate to 68.6 per cent - the highest of all the States in Australia.

Condition 8112 Condition 8112 states that: 'The holder must not engage in work in Australia that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian c

Revised Policy - Condition 8112

Condition 8112 states that: 'The holder must not engage in work in Australia that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.'

As you may already be aware, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship recently revised its policy on Condition 8112. The revised policy applies equally to the following visa subclasses which all have a mandatory 8112 condition imposed:

* Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456)
* Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa (subclass 459)
* Electronic Travel Authority (Business Entrant - Long Validity) visa (subclass 956)
* Electronic Travel Authority (Business Entrant - Short Validity) visa (subclass 977).

These visas allow business people to:

* visit Australia to conduct business (e.g. attend conferences, business negotiations, exploratory visits in conjunction with a holiday) or
* work for short-periods in limited circumstances

The Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457) visa is considered the most appropriate visa for people who are primarily travelling to Australia to undertake skilled work, as it contains a range of safeguards backed by monitoring arrangements that are designed to ensure that sponsors are aware of their obligations and abide by them when bringing overseas skilled workers to Australia.

What has changed?

The revised Condition 8112 policy aims to ensure that the Department's interpretation of Condition 8112 is consistent with the original intention behind the subclass 456 visa. Work will therefore still only be allowed in very limited circumstances. Nevertheless, the revised policy aims to provide greater clarity as to the type of limited work that may be allowed.

Under the revised policy, work may be allowed if the employment is one of the following:

* highly specialised in nature (that is: ASCO 1 to 4) and not ongoing (generally no more than 21 days)
* an emergency or an urgent situation and not ongoing
* in Australia’s interest.

Short stay business visitor visas are still not appropriate for:

* unskilled or semi-skilled labourers
* individuals wishing to work in Australia for long periods or on an ongoing basis.

Please be aware that subclass 456 and 459 applicants intending to work in Australia and/or their employers may, however, be requested to provide additional evidence that the activities they propose to undertake will not have any adverse consequences for the employment or training opportunities, or conditions of employment, for Australian citizens or permanent residents.

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Changes to Trade Assessments 1 Sep 2007

From 1 September 2007, applicants who are residents of the UK, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka or the Philippines can now have the following trades assessed by Vetassess in their respective countries:

• General electrician

• General plumber

• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic

• Motor mechanic

• Carpenter and joiner

• Carpenter

• Joiner

• Electrical powerline tradesperson

• Cable jointer

• Brick layer

For more information, please visit: www.VETASSESS.com.au
If applicants do not meet these requirements but have a skilled occupation, they may be eligible to apply to Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

For more information, please visit: http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Individual/Migrant/TRA/

Visa Changes 1 Sep 07

"Can students whose student visa expires before 1 September 2007, apply for a
subclass 497 visa to allow them to apply for one of the new GSM visas post 1
September 2007?

To apply for onshore GSM overseas students must have:

* completed their degree, diploma or trade certificate; and
* have held an eligible student visa; in the 6 months immediately before they lodge their
application.

Students who completed their studies after 1 March 2007 and whose student visa
expires after 1 March 2007, therefore have an option to apply for a Graduate -
Skilled Temporary visa (subclass 497) before their student visa expires and
apply for one of the new onshore GSM visas after 1 September 2007.

Students applying for a subclass 497 visa are required to make a statement in
Form 1182 that they intend to apply for a Class DD, DE or UX visa. As these visa
classes are closing on 1 September, this requirement will be construed broadly
and students who state they intend to apply for a Class DD, DE, UX or one of the
new onshore GSM visas will meet this requirement be able to make a valid
application for a subclass 497 visa."

Maritime Crew Visa

The Australian Government now requires foreign sea crew to obtain a Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) to come to Australia.

This means the 130 000 foreign sea crew who typically travel to Australia annually on commercial ships, such as cargo and cruise ships, and other non-military ships, now need to apply for a visa before they arrive.

The MCV aims to strengthen Australia’s border security while continuing to enable the entry of genuine foreign seafarers. It will replace the current Special Purpose Visa that is granted to foreign sea crew on arrival, provided they meet entry requirements.

There is a six-month transitional period until 31 December 2007 to allow the maritime industry to adapt to the new requirement and apply for MCVs. From 1 January 2008, the MCV will be mandatory and crew not holding an MCV are likely to be restricted on board and fines imposed.

Key features

The MCV:
• is required by all foreign sea crew (except New Zealanders)
• requires a formal visa application to be made outside of Australia
• needs to be granted before arrival
• is free of charge
• is valid for three years
• allows multiple entries to Australia
• is valid for travel to Australia by sea (not by air).

Applying for an MCV

Individual seafarers, along with authorised third parties such as shipping agents or crew manning agents, may apply for the MCV. Third parties may also be able to receive communications on behalf of crew. For example, when an MCV is approved the third party is notified by letter or email. It is also possible to check online whether a crew member holds an MCV.

MCV applications can be lodged over the internet or by completing a paper application and posting it to Brisbane, Australia. Applications cannot be lodged at an Australian embassy, consulate or high commission.

Internet applications may be finalised within days, while paper applications may take some weeks to finalise. Only one application may be lodged at a time and it should only take a few minutes to submit an application for each crew member, provided the required information is available.
The MCV is a change for the shipping industry however it seeks to strikes a balance between the need for stronger border security and the demands of shipping operations.
Further information
For more information on the Maritime Crew Visa visit: www.immi.gov.au/sea

sc457 English Language Requirements

NEWSFLASH – SPECIAL!

This is a client newsletter from Visa Solutions Australia on immigration and related matters. As the immigration rules to Australia are constantly changing, this newsletter aims to keep clients up to date on the recent changes that may affect employers and candidates in relation to Australia’s immigration laws.

English language requirements for 457 visas from 1 July 2007!

A new English language requirement will be introduced for the sc457 visa from 1 July 2007. Applications made prior to 1 July 2007 will not be affected by the change.

what is proficient english?

English equivalent to an average band of 4.5 across all four test components (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in IELTS will be considered to be proficient English unless otherwise specified.

applications lodged prior to 1 july 2007

The new English language requirement will not apply to sc457 visa applications lodged prior to 1 July 2007.

do current sc457 visa holders need to meet the new requirement?

Current sc457 visa holders will not be required to meet the new English language requirement unless they make a new application for another sc457 visa. Where applicants cannot meet this requirement they need to consider their visa options or make arrangements to depart Australia.

what is ielts?

IELTS is an acronym for the International English Language Testing System. It is a widely accepted testing system for assessing English language skills. More information on this topic may be found on the IELTS website at http://www.ielts.org .

who will need to meet the new requirement?

All applicants will need to detail their English language skills on their visa application form. In addition, applicants may be asked to undertake an IELTS test to demonstrate their English language skills.

Applicants will not be required to meet the English language requirement if;

1. their first language is English and they are a passport holder from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
2. their nominated occupation is within the highly skilled major groups 1-3 of the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO), comprising managers, administrators, professionals and associate professionals; or
3. they have completed at least five years of continuous full time secondary and/or tertiary education at an institution where at least 80 percent of instruction was conducted in English or
4. they are to be paid at least a salary specified in a legislative instrument (initially a gross base salary of $75 000 excluding all allowances and deductions).

These exemptions will not apply to applicants who have been nominated for a position that requires English language for licensing, registration or professional association membership.

Daniel Engles

Registered Migration Agent No. 0213485

The Australian Government requires that people who give immigration assistance be registered as a Migration Agent

Phone: (+61 8) 9328 2664

Mobile: (+61 0) 413 024 966

Fax: (+61 8) 6267 8084

Email: dan@visasolutions.com.au Web: www.visasolutions.com.au

Postal Address: PO Box 369 Leederville WA 6903

Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment and information only and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained in or implied by this publication without taking appropriate professional advice. All financial figures are quoted in Australian Dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The information contained herein and any attachments are intended solely for the named recipients. It may contain privileged confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, please delete the message and any attachments then notify the sender. Any use or disclosure of the contents of either is unauthorised and may be unlawful. Any liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If you do not wish to receive further news, updates and information via email from Visa Solutions Australia please click on this email address remove@VisaSolutions.com.au and type ‘please remove me’ in the subject line and you will be deleted from our data base. Thank You.

Meat Workers for Western Australia

Western Australia seeks skilled meat workers

Thursday, 17 May 2007

Kevin
Andrews, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Margaret Quirk,
West Australian Minister for Small Business, have finalised a
three-year labour agreement for the temporary entry of skilled
meatworkers to Western Australia.

Western
Australia's current unemployment rate of 2.7% makes up over half of the
national unemployment rate of 4.4%, resulting in a significant
temporary shortage of skilled workers in Western Australia,
particularly within the fast developing meat industry.

The agreement, which allows employers to hire
skilled foreign workers temporarily, is very popular with businesses
and the government to address critical skills shortages in Australia.

Under the agreement, sponsoring employers will be
expected to provide workers with a minimum salary of $41 850 (the
standard minimum salary level) or the relevant industrial instrument,
whichever is higher.

They will also be committed to training Australian workers which will help to guarantee a future workforce for the industry.

Similarly, applicants seeking employment in
Australia under the new agreement will be subject to strict skills
assessment requirements to ensure the legitimacy of their contribution
to the industry.

The agreement follows the Australian Governments
commitment of $85.3 million over the next four years to maintain the
integrity of Australia’s temporary skilled migration programme.

The Australian Government is also introducing
fast-tracking of applications for those employers who have a strong and
demonstrated record of complying with the programme and will apply
severe penalties for employers found to be in breach of the sponsorship
conditions.

The agreement will provide West Australian meat
companies with a quick fix solution for the skilled meat workers
shortage as well as ensure the security for the jobs of Australian
workers.

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