The Federal Government has made major changes which will affect users and holders of the sub class 457 visa.

Managing Director of VSA Dan Engles said the changes will make accessing temporary skilled labour for international markets more difficult.

“The problem is that some existing 457 holders may be trapped with existing employers because new nominations are not being approved from those occupations, removed from the list”

“This announcement is a reaction to the politics around skilled migration in recent years as opposed to any significant flaws in the 457 visa system.” Those in the offshore sectors will find that occupations where they’ve been able to fill gaps with skilled workers have now been removed. Vessels coming to Australia for resource projects will struggle to fill key positions. Maritime professionals are already in international short supply and companies will struggle to fill these roles.”