Here is some interesting breaking news.

The Australian Government has recently brought in some new laws to give more protection to overseas workers being sponsored under temporary work visas by Australian Employers.

The new laws, being made under the Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Act 2008, will commence on 14 September.

The changes will include -

• A stronger definition of sponsorship obligations of Australian Employers;
• Permit information sharing  between government agencies;
• Expand the power of the Department of Immigration to monitor and investigate possible non-compliance of Australian Employers with worker protection laws;
• Civil Penalties for Australian Employers who are found to be in breach of their sponsorship obligations.

What does this mean for migration agents?

It means that any agent who does not ensure that he or she has a sound understanding of the new legal and regulatory changes will not be able to properly advise and explain to a worker or employer client what the sponsorship obligations cover and how the new monitoring regime will work. Employers wishing to sponsor skilled overseas workers MUST be on top of the new laws.

Once again - all this goes to show that it is more important than ever to only use the services of very experienced and skilled migration visa agents.

We are ready to serve and protect your best interests - whether you be an employer wishing to sponsor or a worker looking to be sponsored by an Australian Employer.

AUSTRALIAN VISA EXPERTS