Superannuation Refunds for Temporary Workers in Australia

In Australia it is compulsory for employers to pay superannuation to their employees in order that they will have funds available for retirement. Under legislation, minimum provisions are compulsory for employees. From July 2013, the minimum figure is 9.25% of salary, but people are encouraged to put aside additional funds as well. The minimum obligation is set to increase to 12%, gradually stepping annually from 2013. Because of this minimum contribution...

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Changes to Public Interest Criteria (PIC4020)

Amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations), which will take effect from 22 March 2014, seek to prevent identity fraud in Australia’s visa and citizenship programs, by expanding the application of Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 – so that a relevant visa is not granted unless the Minister is satisfied of the identity of the visa applicant. PIC 4020 was introduced in 2011 to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s immigration program by detecting and preventing visa fraud.  PIC 4020 provides a ground to refuse to...

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457 Sponsors: Pay Your Own Way

457 SPONSORS: PAY YOUR OWN WAY Significant reforms to the subclass 457 visa were made on 1 July 2013. These included changes to sponsor obligations relating to ensuring the primary sponsored person works in the nominated occupation, not recovering, costs, and providing training. The following information will address some common questions that have been raised by employers about the obligation not to recover, transfer or take actions that would result in another person paying certain costs. What changes have been made to this obligation? Previously,...

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