Australia relaxes rules for migrants with temporary work visas

Australia has relaxed rules for skilled migrants holding the following temporary visas—temporary work (skilled) visa (subclass 457), temporary skill-shortage visa (subclass 482) and skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494). The Australian Government has made changes to its Migration Strategy with effect from 1 July 2024, altering visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608.

If those possessing these visas happen to cease working for the employers who sponsored them, they will have adequate time to either look for a new sponsor, obtain another visa or plan to leave the country. During this time period, these visa holders will be able to work for other employers, as per reports. They can even work jobs that are not listed in their recently-approved sponsorship nomination. This will allow visa holders to survive while they search for a new sponsor.

These changes are applicable to existing visa holders, as well as those who have received a visa on or after 1 July, 2024.

During the entire visa grant period, these visa holders will have 180 days, or a maximum of 365 days, to hunt for a new sponsor, apply for a different type of visa or prepare to leave Australia. That means, it is likely that employers will become wary of sponsoring foreigner workers, as changing jobs will become easier for such workers.

However, unless the visa-holding workers have been exempted, they cannot work for another employer unless they have stopped working with the employer who sponsored them. The visa holders have to remain with their nominated job while working for their existing sponsor. They should not take up any work that goes against the license or registration required for their nominated occupation.

Whether the sponsorship is ceased or a visa holder resigns, it is the responsibility of the sponsors to notify the authorities of any changes in the employment situation within 28 days, reports FE.