The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter
Dutton announced recently that the government has ended the Fast Food Industry
Labour Agreement which saw hundreds of foreign workers take jobs at fast food
outlets across Australia.
McDonalds, Hungry Jack’s and KFC will be barred from
sponsoring foreign workers on 457 visas, which are intended to fill temporary
skill shortages. This will provide more career opportunities for Australian
workers, particularly young Australians.
The Coalition Government is committed to implementing
reforms that strengthen Australia's skilled migration programme to ensure
overseas workers supplement rather than provide a substitute for Australian
workers
Therefore Australia has introduced a new work visas from
November 2016. The new visa subclasses would allow applicants to enter
Australia for temporary work or a specified activity.
As a result, those currently working in fast food chains on
457 visa will be forced to leave Australia once their agreements run out unless
the restaurant is able to present an individual case as to why they should
remain in the country.
Businesses will be allowed to request for foreign workers in
exceptional circumstances and businesses can still make requests under normal
labour agreement arrangements to ensure that exceptional circumstances can be
considered.
Genuine business needs for overseas workers which contribute
to economic growth will still be considered
The debate on 457 visas which allows employers to bring in
skilled workers from abroad has gained momentum recently with the Australian
government undertaking a review of the list of occupations available for the
application of 457 visa.
