The 457 visa holders now only have 60 days (instead of 90) after the end of a job to find a new one if they want to stay in Australia.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the changes will assist in ensuring that the 457 program meets its intent of acting as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, Australian workers. "The government values the contribution made by the many skilled persons who work in Australia on 457 visas, but where there is an Australian worker ready, willing and able to perform a role it is the government's policy that they have priority," he said.
However, critics say the new rules won't help Australians and will only make foreign workers more vulnerable. “They will know that if they complain about visas or employment they will suddenly only have 60-days to find new work, which is difficult enough even for local employees,” said Doctor Joanna Howe, a senior law lecturer from the University of Adelaide to SBS News.
Pressured by the Labour Party
The Labour Party is putting pressure on the government to tighten the 457 visa conditions. Among other things, it's asking for jobs to be advertised in Australia for at least a month before being advertised internationally.
But the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Opposition leader Bill Shorten is hypocritical because the largest number of 457 visas was given when he was Employment Minister.
More changes to come
The Immigration Minister also announced this weekend that the government was looking to cut the number of skilled occupations eligible under the 457 visa system.
“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,” Peter Dutton said to Sky News.
There are around 95,000 temporary migrants currently in Australia under the 457 visa program.
