THE number of people coming to Australia on temporary skilled work visas has fallen to its lowest level in four years, new government figures show.
The number of 457 visas issued in April was 23 per cent lower than the number issued in March, a Department of Immigration and Citizenship report shows.
So far this financial year, 45,360 visas have been issued, down nearly four per cent on the previous year.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans says the fall is due to recent changes the government introduced to protect local jobs.
The changes included requiring employers to take on local workers before looking overseas, and paying foreign workers the same pay and conditions as Australian workers.
« The … visa program is showing that it is responding to the economic conditions, » Senator Evans said in a statement.
The United Kingdom is providing the largest number of foreign workers, making up more than 20 per cent of those being issued 457 visas.
Medical and IT professionals were the largest group by occupation.
Senator Evans said demand would continue for foreign workers in both sectors despite the global economic downturn.
« So there will still be a need for employers to access skilled overseas workers. »
The 457 visa scheme allows an employer to sponsor a foreign worker for up to four years.
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