Why Was Australia’s 457 Work Visa Abolished?

The abolition of the Australian 457 temporary work visa was a significant change in Australia’s immigration and labor policy. Here’s why it mattered:

What Was the 457 Visa?

• The 457 visa allowed skilled foreign workers to live and work in Australia temporarily (up to four years).

• It was widely used by employers to fill skill shortages.

Significance of Abolishing the 457 Visa:

1. Introduction of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

The 457 visa was replaced in 2018 by the TSS visa (subclass 482), which introduced stricter rules and protections for Australian workers.

2. Stricter Eligibility and Employer Requirements

o Employers must now prove they tried to hire Australians first.

o The list of eligible occupations was narrowed to focus on genuine skill shortages.

o Minimum salary thresholds were raised to prevent underpayment of foreign workers.

3. Better Worker Protections

New rules aimed to prevent exploitation of temporary workers and ensure fair wages and conditions.

4. Focus on Skilled Migration Quality

The change intended to improve the overall quality and integrity of Australia’s skilled migration program by targeting genuine skill needs.

Summary:

Abolishing the 457 visa marked a shift toward stricter regulation, protection of local workers, and ensuring skilled migration meets Australia’s economic needs more effectively.