Employers who abuse a scheme allowing skilled overseas workers to take jobs in Australia will face harsher penalties.
The Abbott government has adopted most of the recommendations from a review of the 457 visa scheme, including banning businesses from seeking payment in exchange for sponsoring a worker's visa.
As well, the immigration department and tax office will cross check records to ensure that visa holders are being paid the correct salary and aren't being ripped off by employers.
"We will proactively prosecute and name and shame offenders exploiting overseas workers and misusing the program," Assistant Immigration Minister Michaelia Cash said on Wednesday.
Contrary to claims Labor made in government about widespread rorting, the review did not find that was the case, she said.
The number of cases was under 100.
"The majority of employers do the right thing," Senator Cash said.
The English language test will be relaxed, however the government has resisted abolishing market testing requirements.
That means employers will still have to advertise vacancies before applying to take on a skilled migrant worker.
Senator Cash said the government's changes had struck the right balance between strengthening the program's integrity and cutting red tape.
Some recommendations have been implemented already and others will be rolled out this year.
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Explainer: What is a 457 visa?
Key recommendations adopted by the government
- Relaxing English language testing requirements
- Penalties for sponsoring workers in exchange for payment
- Cross checking pay records with tax office
- Appointment of a skilled migration ministerial advisory council
- Better directing money derived from visa scheme to training programs for Australians
Business groups welcomed the government moves, saying it put to rest unfounded criticisms of the scheme.
But the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is disappointed labour market testing hasn't been scrapped.
It requires employers to prove they can't find Australian workers to fill vacancies.
"Current requirements are ineffective and only act as red tape," chamber boss Kate Carnell said.
