In this Aug. 10, 2016 photo, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses the media from the government offices in Sydney. Turnbull said Tuesday, April 18, 2017, that the country will scrap a temporary visa for skilled foreign workers, arguing that Australians must be given priority for Australian jobs. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) (The Associated Press)
SYDNEY – Australia's prime minister says the country will scrap a temporary visa for skilled foreign workers, arguing that Australians must be given priority for Australian jobs.
The 457 visa allows foreigners to live and work in Australia for up to four years. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Tuesday that it will be replaced with a stricter scheme that requires a criminal background check and includes tougher English language requirements. The list of occupations that qualify for the new visa will be sharply reduced.
The decision comes one day before President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order that will make changes to a visa program that brings high-skilled workers to the U.S. The White House said the current visa program undercuts American workers by bringing in cheaper labor.
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