Australian visa applicants - beware of mining industry rorts

Hi all

Advice from Queensland's Minister for Mining, for people looking for work in Australia's mining and resources sector.

Australian visa applicants seeking sponsored work in the mining and resources industry should do their research before signing up to agencies claiming to be recruiting for the resources industry.

“Shonky businesses are targeting jobseekers wanting to get a foot in the door in the mining industry,” according to Queensland’s Minister for Mining, Mr Sterling Hinchliffe .

Mr Hinchcliffe said he is aware of a number of businesses who are overstating the level of assistance they are able to offer jobseekers.

He said that these operations are usually set up online or at suburban shopping centres and offer, for a considerable fee, to include the jobseeker’s resume on an exclusive recruitment database that they claim is used by resources companies.

“As far as we can tell, the database is fictitious and we have no evidence to suggest that these companies have links to resources companies or their recruiters. Jobseekers are very unlikely to gain employment as a result of using these firms”, Mr Hincliffe said.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps that Australian visa applicants can take to protect themselves against these shonky agencies, according to Australian immigration lawyer Chris McGrath.

“Firstly, prospective applicants should ensure that anyone claiming they are able to provide visa assessment, preparation or management services is registered with the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority, which has a list of all registered agents on its website”, Mr McGrath said.

“Offshore applicants should be particularly wary of agencies that require them to enter into a reimbursement arrangement for airfares and visa expenses related to subclass 457 visas, which are required by law to be paid by the sponsoring employer when a person comes to Australia specifically to work under a subclass 457 sponsorship arrangement”.

Jobseekers could consider checking that the employment agency is a member of the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association, the peak body for Australian recruitment agencies. They should also be wary of signing up with any agency that attempts to charge them a fee for its recruitment services.

“Applicants should be aware that in Australia, employment agencies charge a fee to the employer, not the job applicant”, Mr McGrath said.

“They should also be aware that many of the larger mining companies have their own online recruitment portals, so applicants do have the option to apply directly to their prospective sponsor if they prefer.

“And finally, undertaking an internet search of the recruitment agency’s name can be of use to potential jobseekers or immigrants seeking background on the firm”.

Minister Hinchliffe said there were many legitimate ways to get a foot in the door with resources companies, including the upcoming Work For Queensland expos.

“A wide range of major resource companies have already signalled that they will again be represented at the Work For Queensland Expos, and this will be a great chance for jobseekers to make direct contact with companies looking for skilled workers,” he said.

“Confirmed exhibitors to date include Thiess, Origin Energy, Downer EDI Mining, Skilled, WorkPac and a number of industry skills bodies.”

Expos will be held across south-east Queensland during February 2012.

Regards

Susan

McGrath Migration Lawyers is Australia’s longest established specialist immigration law firm. With 30 years’ experience in all aspects of corporate and personal immigration, we count thousands of Australian visa holders and citizens amongst our clients.

If you’re an employer considering a subclass 457 , ENS or RSMS sponsorship to fill your business’ skills shortages, or a prospective Australian visa applicant, contact us today, for fast, friendly and professional service.