Australia to Raise Salary for Migrant Workers

The Australian government says it will increase the salary and conditions of temporary skilled migrants.

The Australian immigration department says there was a 27 per cent increase in the number of foreign workers last year on the skilled migrant, or 457 visa, program.

Immigration minister Chris Evans says the government will be introducing measures to increase protection for these workers.

The plan includes expanded powers to monitor and investigate employers, and a new framework of penalties for sponsors found in breach of their obligations.

Senator Evans says from August 1 minimum salaries for 457 visa holders will increase by 3.8 per cent, the first pay rise in more than two years.

A number of cases of exploitation of temporary skilled workers have been made public over the past year, although the minister says these are isolated incidents.

Source: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/