Sponsors of Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5 migrants are now required to retain on file documents showing these workers’ skills, qualifications and experience for their roles, under recent Home Office amendments to the Immigration Rules. The new document retention requirements apply to any covered foreign worker who commenced work on or after November 19.
Australia: Changes to 457 visa program to take effect 1 December 2015
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced changes to the 457 program to strengthen work agreement and enterprise agreement requirements, and provide further clarification on existing 457 visa conditions. The changes will take effect from 1 December 2015.
From 1 December 2015, changes to the 457 visa regulations will be implemented to clarify and strengthen existing policy in relation to work agreements, enterprise agreements and some 457 visa conditions. These changes are largely a response to the negotiation and implementation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
Singapore: Work Pass Exempt category activities restricted
The Ministry of Manpower has narrowed the scope of the allowable specialized skills that foreign nationals under the Work Pass Exempt (WPE) category can perform, and has removed software installation from the allowable activities list. The activities that are now eligible for a Work Pass exemption are providing expertise related to commissioning or audit of a new plant and equipment, and installing, dismantling, transferring, repairing or maintaining machines or equipment.