This report presents the findings of a review of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) worker pilot training programme. The purpose of the review was to assess whether the pilot had achieved the intended outcomes and, if it had (at least in part), identify if any changes are required to ensure strong future performance. The review...

A serious debate about this fundamental shift in policy has barely begun, writes Peter Mares on our partner website, INSIDE STORY

Following concerns raised about the Subclass 457 visa program, this report inquiry was commissioned to recommend changes to the scheme. This report recommends that the government should: • abolish the minimum salary level in favour of market rates of pay for all temporary visa holders on salaries less than $100,000. • develop an accreditation system...

In April 2007, New Zealand introduced the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) program, which allows NZ employers to recruit overseas workers from the Pacific and South East Asia for seasonal work in horticulture and viticulture. Over the last year, New Zealand has opened its doors to seasonal workers from neighbouring island nations: villagers from Kiribati, Samoa...

This research note provides statistics and background on the 457 visa, and discusses some of the controversies regarding temporary skilled and business migration.