Australia and New Zealand tighten up on skilled work visas
‘We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains — Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs’
Sydney/Wellington — Australia will abolish a temporary work visa popular with foreigners and replace it with a new programme requiring better English language and job skills. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the move on Tuesday, and New Zealand followed suit on Wednesday, when Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said the country would take a "Kiwis-first approach". Turnbull, struggling with poor voter approval ratings, rejected suggestions the visa policy change was in response to far-right wing political parties, such as One Nation, demanding more nationalistic policies. But in a Facebook announcement Turnbull said: "Our reforms will have a simple focus: Australian jobs and Australian values." In a similar vein, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing changes to a temporary visa programme used to bring foreign workers to the US to fill highly skilled jobs. The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his "America First" election campaig...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.