A series of changes come into effect this week affecting print companies employing or planning to employ overseas workers under the 457 visa program.

The wide-ranging changes affect both the sponsoring company and visa holders and include penalties for non compliance or breaches of the legislation.

From 14 September sponsors of 457 visa employees are required to pay the employee market salary rates and meet a range of obligations. These include co-operation with Department of Immigration and Citizenship inspectors; equivalent terms and conditions of employment; payment of travel costs to enable sponsored persons to leave Australia; payment of costs incurred by the Commonwealth to locate and remove unlawful non-citizens and an obligation to keep certain records and provide records and information to the Minister.

Obligations also include ensuring that the primary sponsored person works or participates in the nominated occupation, program or activity; and an obligation not to recover certain costs from a primary sponsored person or a secondary sponsored person.

Also from 14 September the responsibility for health cover is transferred from sponsoring companies to employees. 457 visa applicants will be required to provide the department with evidence that they have adequate arrangements for health insurance for the period of their intended stay in Australia. This evidence will usually be in the form of a letter from their health insurer.

The requirement for English language proficiency has also been increased.

For more information on the changes, please download the overview below.

Printing Industries has access to the services of an Immigration Outreach officer who deals with 457 visa and other immigration related inquiries on behalf of its members. Companies requiring information or assistance should contact Hagop Tchamkertenian on (02) 8789 7300 or hagop@printnet.com.au

457 Business (Long Stay) Visa Program reforms (doc - 640 kb) An update of the reforms announced on 1 April 2009 including a summary of the changes implemented from 14 September 2009.