Migration Law Update: Big Brother is Watching

One of the government’s recent announcements around the Australian 457 Visa program which appears to have gone relatively unnoticed is that from December this year the Department intends to start collecting tax file numbers of 457 Visa holders and other employer-sponsored migrants for the purpose of matching that information with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) records to ensure that Visa holders are not paid less than the nominated salary.

Unfortunately, the underpayment of workers who have poor English skills and are on visas is a chronic problem in the Australian workspace. It was recently reported by the Fair Work Ombudsman that of all requests for assistance from the Ombudsman in 2016/17, 18% came from workers on visas – an increase on the previous year and significantly disproportionate to the number of workers on visas. It was also reported that half the cases that made it to court involved a visa worker.

Another announcement which has also received little publicity but which should be of concern to employers is that by December the Department intends to publish on its website details relating to sponsors sanctioned for failing to meet various statutory obligations, including their migration law sponsorship obligations.

The wording of the announcement makes it very clear that not only breaches of migration obligations which will be published. At this stage the types of obligations which are being contemplated have not been detailed but could, for example include failure to pay tax and breaches of workplace laws – being issues that prospective employees might be interested in knowing about before deciding whether or not to accept an offer of employment. It is also not clear what timeframes are contemplated – for example will it only be in respect of breaches committed from December this year or does it include past breaches? If so, how far back do they propose to go and how long will details be published before the publication is withdrawn. Also, what appeal rights if any will employers have in respect of any grievances regarding the accuracy of the publication process.

Until more details are published these questions will remain answered but are issues that all employers should be aware of and concerned about.

Please contact Nevett Ford Lawyes for migration law and visa advice.