Australia changes 457 visa program for skilled migrant

06/05/2008 11:46:14

Australia's government says changes to the 457 visa program will make it easier for businesses to quickly sponsor skilled migrants.

The 457 visa is the most commonly used program for Australian or overseas employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to work in Australia.

The government is adopting most of the recommendations from a review, and will set up specialists teams to focus on applications from specific regions, industries and projects.

The immigration minister, Chris Evans, says applications from employers deemed to be low-risk will also be fast-tracked.

"To try and make sure that industry can get people on temporary migration programs to meet their skills needs as quickly as possible," he said.

"So it's about us being more responsive to industry, fast-tracking as many applications as we can, and ensuring that major projects and normal can proceed given the enormous skills shortages in the economy."

The Opposition is supporting the recommendations.

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