457 Visa - Employer requirements

[DesertDaisy]

We will hopefully be coming over on a 457 visa. Are there minimum standards in terms of what the employer must supply?

For example, here in the UAE, your employer must ensure you have adequate medical coverage, housing or housing allowance and a return air ticket for the employee to the country of origin at the end of the contract (not necessarily the employees family). An end of service gratuity is also often included. Any other benefits are up to the employer.

Obviously these are specifically for the UAE, and I don't expect Australia to have the same, but I assume there must be some kind of standard requirements, particularly with regard to the provision of medical/pension?

[Madelein]

Hallo DD

Your employer will pay a 9% contribution towards your super - this is a standard for all people in Oz. You can do a salary sacrifice to put more money in your Super Fund.

When on a 457 visa, you will be able to get Living Away From Home Allowance, where you will benefit from tax. Ask your employer about this, some of them doesn't give you this, but you will benefit by the end of the tax year to claim it back.

You r employer will require from you to to pay for your own medical fund - this is also a standard thing. You can browse the following websites: www.iman.com.au or www.medibankprivate.com.au - they specialize for people on 457 visa. In the end of the tax year, you can claim 30% back.

All the other benefits is up to your employer like the housing, paying for your flights etc. Some will even give you a Relocation allowance, but it's all up to them.

Hope this helps

Regards

Madelein

[Ajay]

Hi DD,

The employer is also legally obliged to pay for the return tickets should you decide to return (permanently)to your home country during the course of your 457

Cheers

Ajay