It has been revealed that, on average, skilled migrant workers in Australia are earning $15,000 more than their local-born workers, undermining the belief that migrants with Australia skilled visas are being exploited by unscrupulous employers.

Figures obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that holders of 457 temporary worker visas are earning a significantly larger annual salary than Australian workers in a total of 16 industry sectors throughout the country. The average 457 visa holder earning an average of $71,600, whilst local employees earn an average of $55,500.

Indeed, in certain sectors, the gulf between the earnings of foreign-born and local employees is even greater. For instance, in the specialised field of communications, migrant workers earned, on average, $25,000 per year more than their Australian counterparts. In the mining sector, the average wage of a 457 visa holder in 2006-07 was $95,000 compared to $89,950 across the sector. More recent figures have shown that the average salary for an Australian skilled visa holder in the mining industry has risen as high as $103,700.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans stated that the Australian immigration program had proved to be an integral element in solving Australia’s severe labour shortage, commenting:

“Nearly 60 per cent of 457 visas are granted to professionals, with a further 10 per cent granted to associate professionals.”

He added that the government is determined to root out any unprincipled employers seeking to exploit migrant workers by paying them low wages, continuing:

“A small minority of employers seek to underpay and exploit migrant workers and the Government is committed to cracking down on any abuses.”