A senate committee report entitled, “National Disgrace: The Exploitation of Temporary Work Visa Holders” has effectively recommended an overhaul of the sc457 visa programme proposing some 33 changes.

During the senate hearings, senators were repeatedly told labour hire companies used the threat of deportation to deter exploited workers from complaining about their pay or conditions, according to a report on the ABC.

Several recommendations seek to address this, including ensuring those who approach the Department of Immigration with complaints are dealt with in a 'victim-centric' manner and given a safe space to voice their complaints.

If you’re approaching the end of your studies in Australia, it’s about time you start considering applying for your permanent residency. The transition from a student to a permanent resident is definitely not smooth, owing to a number of tight rules that the government has introduced.

There are a number of factors that you should be considering as soon as you enter your last semester.

Language Requirements

English is a key requirement in your first step towards obtaining a permanent residency. Unless you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand, you will be required to complete an English proficiency test.

As a Migration Agent, when it comes to getting insurance sorted for your business it can be pretty straightforward - jump online, compare quotes and buy the insurance that suits your business.  However when it comes to your decision to take up business insurance there are a few things you want to keep in mind.

1. Your personal insurance doesn’t cover your business

A key thing to be aware of is that your personal insurance may not cover your business liabilities or property. If you are working from home it’s important to know that your home and contents insurance policy might not cover all the liabilities related to your business. As an example most home and contents policies do not cover you for bodily injury or property damage to a client or supplier that may occur at your home. The likelihood of a claim is low, but the implications could be extremely costly. The rule of thumb is “if the consequences are too severe to manage on your own, you should insure it.” However with a low probability of occurrence this simply means you will pay a lower premium – this is a small price to pay even if it is unlikely you will have a million dollar claim. 

Also note your business insurance may cover personal items. If you have cover for theft and there is a break in to your office, you may be able to claim for those personal items left in the office.

Over 85% of new information and computer technology (ICT) jobs were filled by foreigners last year, notes a new report by the Australian Computer Society.

The report states that workers from overseas are now needed to address acute shortages of particular ICT skills in the short term, but warns that Australia needs a long-term strategy to deal with the skills shortage.

The report by the ACS estimates that Australia’s ICT workforce grew by 23,000 in the past year. Most of this skills demand was satisfied by foreign workers. Australia took in a net 19,600 foreign workers (including 13,900 on 457 visas) over the period, suggesting as little as 3000 new ICT roles were filled domestically.

Following the Kendall review of the OMARA, DIBP has now foreshadowed adoption of the second limb of the Kendall report recommendations concerning the prohibition on lawyers from being registered as migration agents.

The relevant advice to that effect appears here:

https://www.mara.gov.au/news-and-publications/news/omara-independent-review/