Visa Newsletters

25th May 2008

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced on 23 May 2008 that the Minimum Salary Levels (MSLs) for 457 workers will increase by 3.8% effective 1 August 2008, as follows:

For Non Regional Australia: (generally Metropolitan cities)
Non-ICT occupations = $43,440, ICT occupations = $59,480

For Regional Australia
Non-ICT occupations = $39,100,ICT occupations = $53,530

Employers must note that these new MSLs will apply to 457 visas granted on or after 1 August 2008, as well as to all existing 457 visa holders who are already in Australia.

The inclusion of existing 457 holders in the new change will have significant impact on employers whose 457 holders are paid below the new MSLs.Employers must ensure that the new MSLs are paid to all existing 457 holders by 1 August 2008.Failure to do so will constitute a breach of the Sponsor's Undertakings, and therefore the migration legislation.

There will, however, be no impact on those existing 457 holders whose base salaries are above the new MSLs.

Employers must therefore implement timely and appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the new law.

Many changes and indeed new reform to the 457 program are on the way, more detail will be provided in our June Visa Alert.

Should you have any questions regarding above, please do not hestiate to contact me by phone or by email below.The Minister's Media Release can be accessed by clicking this link.

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/media-releases/2008/ce08050.htm