Submission Regarding the Effectiveness of the Current Temporary Skilled Visa System
FECCA’s submission on the effectiveness of Australia’s temporary skilled visa system critiques its inadequacies in addressing genuine skill shortages while supporting the needs of Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. The submission highlights systemic barriers such as delays in updating skill shortage data, hiring biases against migrants, and the lack of recognition of overseas qualifications, which result in many skilled migrants being underemployed or exploited. FECCA stresses the need for stronger pathways to permanency, culturally appropriate support services, and training for employers to increase confidence in overseas skills and experience.
FECCA also emphasises the importance of providing accessible information about workplace rights in multiple languages and protecting migrants from exploitation by employers. Recommending an increase in support for CALD-specific organisations and legal services to assist migrants in navigating complex employment laws and addressing workplace issues. To enhance the system’s effectiveness, FECCA calls for greater collaboration between government, businesses, and communities, ensuring migrants are supported in securing employment that aligns with their skills while contributing to Australia’s economic and social development.
