The state government has combined the launch of its state migration centre, which brings all related services under one roof, with a warning about abuses of temporary migration visas.
Small Business Minister Norm Marlborough, who is responsible for state migration issues, wants the federal government to crack down on what he calls temporary work visa rorts.
He said a survey by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection provided further evidence of “widespread employer abuse” of section 457 visas, which allow foreign workers to come to Australia for up to four years.
The department surveyed just 36 employers who had engaged migrant staff on section 457 visas and found that 28 were in breach of their obligations.
Breaches included underpaying workers, short-changing them on annual leave and public holiday entitlements and failing to maintain proper time and wage records.
Mr Marlborough said this was unacceptable and could not be allowed to continue.
“The state government supports recruiting skilled migrants who have the necessary abilities to fill genuine vacancies,” he said.
“We do not support the use of temporary migration visas to drive down wages.”
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone has stated that all reports of migrant visa rorts were thoroughly investigated.
In order to facilitate business and skilled migration into WA, the state government has brought all migration services under the umbrella of the Small Business Development Corporation.
Previously, skilled migrants were processed by the department of industry and resources while business migrants, who typically buy or establish a new business, were processed by SBDC.
Mr Marlborough said 416 state sponsorships for business migrants were approved in the past 12 months, making this a record level.
In addition, the state has sponsored just more than 900 skilled migrants who provide skills designated as a priority in WA.
The occupations of sponsored skilled migrants range from professionals to tradespeople including bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and welders.
