Visa reform won’t affect Irish workers, says expert

A company specialising in overseas work visas has moved to calm fears of a rush by Irish people worried about the impact of Australia scrapping its 457 visa, which allows foreign workers in on a temporary basis. 

Visafirst.com said Australia was not abandoning its foreign workers’ programme but rather changing it, saying the 457 will be replaced by a new scheme, the Temporary Skill Shortage, which will leave the door open to thousands of Irish in Australia.

The company said it had been “inundated with frantic calls” from worried Irish people since the announcement of the 457 visa change was made.