Where skills shortages exist in Australia, it is not uncommon for businesses to seek employees from overseas. Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract migrants who can make a significant contribution to the Australian economy and fill positions where there are no Australian workers available.
Skilled overseas workers may be eligible to come to Australia on either a Temporary Work (Short Stay) visa (Subclass 400) or a Temporary Skills Shortage visa (Subclass 482).
Of course, the Covid-19 global pandemic resulted in a pause in Australia’s Migration Program and as such employers were limited in their ability to hire from overseas. From March 2020 when international borders were closed until recently, skills shortages have been felt right across Australia across many industries.
With international borders now open, employers are now able to recruit overseas workers where applicable.
What does recruiting from overseas involve?
When it comes to recruiting from overseas there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.
Employers need to complete labour market testing to ensure there are no Australian workers qualified or available to fill a position and where necessary, they must also apply for sponsorship. Once these aspects have been completed, they can then get the ball rolling on the overseas recruitment process. This can take some time.
The length of time it may take an employer to recruit from overseas varies. The overseas recruitment process includes the following steps:
– Candidate Screening
Candidates must be screened to ascertain whether they meet certain requirements. Factors such as identity verification and document screening all take place at this stage.
– Assessment of English language levels
Candidates must be able to display competent English levels.
– Skills Assessment
Candidates are assessed to ensure their skills match the job requirements and that they have relevant work and industry experience.
– Visa Processing
Once lodged, visa applications can take 6 – 12 months to be approved.
Each of these stages in the process takes time and will contribute to the overall length of time required to employ an overseas worker.
As a full-service migration agency, Visa Solutions Australia can assist local businesses with the recruitment of overseas workers. Visa Solutions works closely with offshore recruiter InterAsia Outsource Inc (IOI), a recruitment company based in the Philippines. InterAsia Outsource Inc provides labour services to the construction, oil and gas, mining and resources, port and logistics and manufacturing industries. Liaising with IOI, Visa Solutions can help local business, recruit high quality skilled workers from the Philippines.
In addition to brokering the relationship between employers and InterAsia Outsource Inc, Visa Solutions will also handle any paperwork and visa processing requirements for the client. Using a registered migration agency such as Visa Solutions Australia ensures that all applications are completed accurately and with the correct documentation therefore minimising any delays caused by incomplete visa applications.
If you would like to learn more about hiring staff from overseas or have any questions about Australia’s Skilled Migration Program or the subclass 400 or subclass 482, contact the Visa Solutions team on 1800 828 008 or send us an email.
