457 visa changes won't impact on wider temporary education workforce

The universities employ about 1,500 lecturers and 250 tutors on 457 visas

The Turnbull Government’s decision to scrap the 457-skilled temporary worker visa puts the spotlight on temporary migrant workers in Australia.

This is not surprising, since each year Australia takes in some 700,000 temporary migrants and 200,000 permanent migrants.

What is surprising is the under-estimated role of the Australian tertiary education sector in temporary worker migration, the reason why universities have been among the most outspoken critics.

Bulk of temporary migrant labour force will remain

Most obvious here is the demand side - universities employ about 1,500 lecturers and 250 tutors on 457 visas.

Universities are also worried about the