The Australian government has decided to relax the visa conditions for certain categories of temporary migrant workers, as the country’s Department of Home Affairs announced.
Starting July 1, eligible individuals who terminate work with their sponsoring employer in Australia will have up to 180 days at once, or a maximum of 365 days through their visa period, to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa or depart the country, VisaGuide.World reports.
This policy will replace the current 60-day period. As the Australian Migration authorities further explained, new changes will apply to migrant workers who fall into any of the following categories:
- Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
These changes address the commitment to help tackle worker exploitation and drive productivity.
With the new rules, visa holders will be able to work for other employers, including roles not listed in their latest approved sponsorship selection. According to the Department of Home Affairs, such flexibility will help them to support themselves while searching for a new sponsor.
Unless they are exempt, visa holders are not allowed to work for another employer without terminating employment with their current employer first.
Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their existing sponsor.
Migration Law Expert Advises Employers to Improve Retention & Recruitment Policies
Taya Hunt, a partner with law firm MinterEllison, said that new regulations aim to offer flexibility for migrant workers following concerns over “worker exploitation”.
As cited by the Weekly Source, she further noted that new policies will impact migrant workers under Aged Care Labor Agreements.
The changes may improve efficiency in recruitment for aged care providers by allowing onshore visa holders to be employed quickly for a period of time without the need to wait until a transfer of sponsorship has been finalised.
Given that workers will have more flexibility to switch employers, Hunt suggests the latter to enhance retention and recruitment policies to retain the existing staff.
More stringent record-keeping and documentation may be required to demonstrate temporary skilled visa holders are being employed in compliance with visa conditions.
The new rules announced by the Australian government will apply to the current visa holders and those who were issued visas on or after July 1, 2024.