The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) will be targeting ‘rogue employers’ who misuse the 457 skilled migrant visa by introducing more checks and balances to crack down on ‘suspicious activity’.

The Federal Government has announced it will give powers to the Fair Work Ombudsman to monitor and enforce compliance with 457 visa conditions, and sto ensure that workers are employed in the right jobs and are receiving market salary rates.

These activities will build on the 457 compliance work conducted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). 

The FWO will now be empowered to monitor key aspects of employers’ compliance with 457 visa conditions, namely:

  • 457 visa holders are being paid at the market rates specified in their approved visa, and
  • The job being done by the 457 visa holder matches the job title and description approved in their visa.

FWO staff will also be able to immediately refer any suspicious activity to a DIAC investigation team for more detailed examination beyond these basic checks on pay, conditions, and jobs being done.