O'Connor introduces visa reform

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Created on Thursday, 14 March 2013 13:32

Written by Editorial staff

Minister for immigration and citizenship Brendan O'Connor has stressed that the new short stay activity immigration visa is not related to the 457 system.

The new visa is part of a litany of measures which are aimed at reducing red tape through the Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership commitment - a policy that looks to halve the number of visa subclasses.

A short stay visa option allows for employers to fill highly specialised positions with skilled workers, only when a domestic alternative cannot be found.

Mr O'Connor has highlighted the differences between the 457 system and newly introduced protocols, saying that the government is still committed to reducing the apparent exploitation of the system.

It comes as outspoken politician Bob Katter laid out his policies for the election, saying that he will cut the 457 intake from the current 93,000 to 6,000, should his Australia Party win the balance of power in the senate.

News Limited reports that only 50 places would be allowed for foreign sports stars who will play on sports teams in codes like the NRL.

Mr Katter is purporting that the 457 system is out of control, despite a backlash from the business community after the government's recent crackdown on the program.