From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government has introduced significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 under its Migration Strategy. These revisions aim to combat worker exploitation and boost productivity by offering more support and flexibility to temporary migrants holding specific visas.
Key Visa Programs Affected
The amendments are designed to improve labour market mobility for temporary migrants who hold one of the following visas:
- Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Extended Employment Transition Period
Visa holders who lose their jobs with their sponsor will gain valuable time to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa, or arrange their departure from Australia. The new conditions allow:
- Up to 180 days at a single time, or
- A maximum of 365 days in total throughout the entire visa period.
During this transition period, visa holders can work for other employers, including areas not listed in their most current sponsorship nomination. This adjustment ensures financial stability while they seek new opportunities.
Restrictions and Responsibilities
Visa holders cannot work for another employer unless they have stopped working with their sponsoring employer, except where exempted. While employed by their current sponsor, they must stay within their nominated occupation.
Sponsors are obligated to notify the Department within 28 days of any changes in circumstances, such as sponsorship cessation or resignation of the visa holder. For comprehensive details, reference “Sponsorship obligations for Standard business sponsors.”
Visa holders must also ensure that any employment aligns with necessary licensing or registration requirements tied to their professional qualifications.
Applicability of Changes
These amendments apply to both existing visa holders and those obtaining visas on or after 1 July 2024. Periods, when a visa holder did not work for their sponsor before this date, do not count towards the new time allowances.
This development marks a positive move towards offering more flexibility and support for temporary migrants in Australia. By extending the period to secure new employment, these changes help protect workers and enhance their contribution to Australia’s economy.
