Australia – Country’s 457 visa changes are turning away skilled foreign workers

By memberservices@staffingindustry.com (Danny Romero)

Australia’s recent 457 visa program overhaul is turning away skilled foreign workers, according to data from Indeed.com published in The Australian.

Indeed recorded a 10% decline in clicks from foreigners on Australian job postings in June compared to April, when the Turnbull government first announced the reforms. Indeed added that the decrease seen in June reverses the trend of recent years, when search activity was greater in June than in April.

“Despite the 457 visa reform’s relatively minor impact on the Australian economy, the changes could prove disruptive to certain industries and many individual businesses,” Indeed.com Asia-Pacific economist Callam Pickering, said. “There could also be a spillover effect: the high-profile nature of 457 reform may discourage foreign job seekers even in occupations that aren’t ­directly affected.”

“The reforms target few tech occupations, but the more difficult path to permanent residency is likely to make Australia less desirable for skilled tech workers,” Pickering said. “These workers are in great demand globally and many will choose to go elsewhere.”

Source:: Australia – Country’s 457 visa changes are turning away skilled foreign workers