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Bizarre as it seems, despite the rise in unemployment, Australia is still suffering from a severe shortage in many skilled
occupations. Even when having to downsize in one area, many employers have requirements in other departments that are
near impossible to fill in a reasonable time, often leaving key roles open for months on end, resulting in more inefficiencies and
further poor results – it’s a vicious cycle.
Although the migration program has recently been pared
back, these changes relate only to the permanent visa
classes. Employers seeking access to the international
resource pool are still able to apply to become approved
sponsors under the Standard Business Sponsor program
and thereby be eligible to offer sponsored temporary
residence visas to suitable international candidates.
In the past, accessing foreign talent was the domain of
the multinational blue chip corporations only. SME’s were
unsure of how to tackle this complex beast, and more often
than not, simply steered away from it. However, with the
assistance of registered migration agents and the expertise
of consultants who specialise in this niche area, smaller and medium sized enterprises are now starting to realise the benefit
of being able to expand their search for talent across the globe. The application costs are relatively minor, especially when
compared to the returns realised by having the right person on board on time.
Know your obligations
One of the areas of highest concern is the obligations that the business bears in order to sponsor a visa. There are many horror
stories about companies being caught short, and ending up out of pocket when an employment relationship goes sour. While
most are urban legends, there certainly have been incidents where companies have been burned simply because they weren’t
aware of what their rights and obligations were. Make sure that you fully understand your obligations before you make any offer
of employment. DIAC publishes Information Booklets from time to time, stating the requirements. Take the time to familiarise
yourself with these obligations to prevent nasty surprises later on.
If using an employment management company, find out if they are willing to underwrite some of the more onerous obligations,
or how you can protect yourself against later claims through having a solid employment contract in place. Once understood, the
visa undertakings are easy to meet.
The role of the migration agent
Migration agents are there to make your dealings with the DIAC as pain-free as possible. They should know the legislation
thoroughly and be willing to spend time with you explaining the ins-and-outs of the visa classes. Only use an agent registered
with the Migration Agents Registration Authority, and make sure that your agent is well versed in the employer nominated visa
classes. Migration law is a vast and complex area, and many agents choose to specialise in only one or two categories. Don’t
be afraid to ask for references - a good agent should be happy to supply you with these.
The role of the employment management firm
Employment management firms are often able to simplify the process of employing international workers by offering an
outsourced management service. This generally comprises of a payroll service (to offer benefits such as the Living Away From
Home Allowance) and a monitoring service, to ensure that the DIAC requirements are being met). The more established firms
should also be able to offer you a full package, complete with visa assistance, negotiation between the potential employee and
the business, employment law advice and ongoing employment management services. Once again, don’t be afraid to ask for
references.
Moving Forward
If you have roles within your business that have traditionally been hard to fill, or one that you are currently struggling to find a
suitable candidate for, step out and consider the international workforce. For a relatively small investment, you could tap into
a fresh skills pool, where you aren’t clamouring against competing employers or getting involved in bidding wars for the right
candidate. There are many thousands of people looking for the opportunity to move themselves and their family to our country.
Being offered a sponsored visa is often their only choice, and once secured, their gratitude is evident in their work ethic, with
them often going on and rising rapidly through the ranks at their new organisation. Good Luck!
