Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's government has axed the 457 visa program.
457 will be replaced with a new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa program.
Both Labor and Liberal parties have in the past highlighted problems with the 457 program, including the exploitation of workers and systematic scams.
The TSS visa scheme will be made up of two streams - Short term (up to two years) and Medium term (up to four years).
The Short-term visa would cost $1,150 and the Medium-term one $2,400 - more than the $1,060 the 457 visa cost.
Both of these will be subject to Australian labour market work experience, a market salary rate assessment and a new non-discriminatory workforce test.
In addition, applicants will also now have to meet English language requirements and undergo a criminal check.
This means employers will need to do more stringent paperwork in order to invite temporary migrant workers.
According to the DIBP's subclass 457 quarterly report, as of June 30, 2016 there were 94,890 primary 457 visa holders in Australia. From 2013 to 2016, the number of 457 visa holders has fallen from about 110,000 to under 95,000.
The number of eligible occupations for the new types of visas will be shortened by 216, with 268 available for the two year visa and 167 for the longer four year visa.
The changes are in effect immediately and will be fully implemented by March 2018.
The question is who will be affected by the axing of 457 visa program?
The change in visa policy has reduced the number of temporary skilled migrants occupations available to Australian sponsors.
Turnbull Government by removing certain occupations believes that it is giving Australian employers a limited set of job placements for migrants.
Immigration lawyer Dessie Hristova and Director of law firm Abode Immigration Lawyers explains the new changes.
