Australia eyes more Pinoy workers, RP consulate says

How to Spot an Illegal Recruiter

The following are signs that a job applicant is being recruited illegally:


If a recruiter offers long-term work but does not apply the candidate for a 457 Visa, then it may be an indication that the work is not legitimate or that the employment arrangements are not in order;


If a recruiter offers long-term work but applies the applicant for a Short-Stay Business Visa (also called the "456 Visa"), then it may be an indication that the work is not legitimate or that the employment arrangements are not in order.

•
If a recruiter offers long-term work but applies the job applicant only for tourist visa, then it is a definite indication that the work arrangement is not legitimate.


If a recruiter makes the applicant pay for Australian administrative fees and/or air travel to Australia, then the recruiter is violating Australian laws require a company to shoulder all costs of fees and the worker's air travel to Australia. The worker must not pay for his air travel to Australia.

- Philippine Consulate in Sydney, map from Wikipedia
MANILA, Philippines - Australia needs more Filipino workers, according to the Philippine Consulate in Sydney.

"An apparent skills shortage is driving Australian companies to hire skilled workers from other countries, and the Philippines is seen as a source country for needed workers," a consulate report said on Tuesday.

But the consulate also warned Filipino job seekers against illegal recruiters, after it had received reports that some individuals had started posing as recruiters when Australia announced last January that it had 120,000 job openings for foreigners.

"Filipinos being recruited for Australia must be aware of the type of visa that their recruiter is applying for them. The type of visa commonly issued to Filipinos hired for work in Australia is the 457 Visa," the consulate said.

Australian companies that want to recruit skilled workers should get permission from the Australian Government, according to the consulate.

It said the government issues to these companies "temporary business long stay visa," which is also known as the Standard Business Sponsorship Subclass 457 visa provided to foreigners who are employed by Australian firms.

These authorized companies can either directly hire Filipino workers or recruit them through manpower agencies accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

“A Filipino who is recruited for Australian employment is matched to an Australian company that has been issued a 457 Visa. The Filipino worker receives the 457 Visa through the Australian Embassy in Manila," the consulate said.

The 457 visa allows a foreign worker temporary stay in Australia from six months to four years. This visa does not give permanent, residency, or migration status to a foreign worker.

“Illegally-hired foreign workers in Australia are exposed to abuses, hazards, and risks. If they are caught, they are deported and blacklisted from future re-entry into Australia," consulate said.

Meanwhile, a 456 visa allows entry for business meetings, conferences, or training-related visits for up to three months. Short-term work of up to six weeks is only permitted in limited circumstances.

The consulate also warned Filipino applicants against recruiters offering long-term work, but only secures tourist visa for a worker, which is an indication that the work arrangement is not legitimate.

“Illegal recruiters often apply a victim for a tourist or short stay business visa, and instruct the latter to change his visa status to 3 long stay or even a permanent residency in Australia, However, such status changes are not usually allowed," it said.

Recruiters violate Australian laws if they make the applicant shoulder administrative fees, including travel expenses to Australia, according to the consulate.

“Any Filipino, who was recruited to work in Australia under a 457 Business Visa program and was compelled to pay processing fees or air travel to Australia by their recruiter or employer, may lodge a complaint with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) through its email address: nsw.457Jntegrity@fmmi.gov.au," the consulate said.

For now, Australia does not allow the recruitment of domestic maids and farm workers from overseas. “Any manpower agency that claims to be recruiting maids and farm workers for Australia is deceiving applicants," the consulate said. - GMANews.TV

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