On Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Tan Po posted a video on FACEBOOK saying the Australian government was abolishing the 457 visa, which would be replaced by a new temporary visa.
Mr. Tan said in the video that Australian workers must give priority to Australia`s jobs. We will no longer be allowed to obtain an Australian passport through a 457 visa. The government has cut 457 visas since last year. The number of people in the past year is 45000, up from about 10 a year.
In recent years, both parties have pledged to tighten 457 visa rules and adopt a more nationalistic stance to protect Australian jobs.
Mr Tan promised that the new visa would better address the real shortage of talent, including in remote areas of Australia. New application requirements will include previous work experience, better English proficiency and labour market testing.
The 457 visa is one of the most important visas for foreigners to obtain an Australian passport. 457 visa holders can work in Australia for four years and then apply for an Australian permanent residence visa.
