What a mess!! Caution to 457 visa holders.

[Guest caz and wayne]

Dear All

 

I wasn't going to post my news on here but was encouraged to by another PIA member to maybe gain some support and possibly some fresh ideas. I had some really bad news a week ago and hope that someone on the forum can offer some words of wisdom or support as Wayne and I are at the point where we're not sure what to do.

 

We came here on a 457 visa in July this year with me being sponsored by one of the big 4 accountancy firms as an indirect tax specialist. I have over 20 years experience of VAT in the UK and this firm desperately needed someone to take the GST practice forward in Adelaide. I fitted the bill and they brought me and my family here on a 2 year contract. Indeed, they all agreed that it would take time to build the business and said they were prepared to give it 2 years to get the business off the ground. If it hadn't worked out we would have returned to the UK and it would have been worth it for 2 years. However, last Thursday they changed their minds and sent me packing. I've not been dismissed rather the contract was terminated. I have been paid until 1st January and after that we have no means of supporting ourselves other than a small amount of savings.

 

I have had a lawyer look at the contract and think that they can legally do what they have done. It says in the contract that either side can give a months notice.

 

My main concern is how they have treated us considering the discussions I had at the start of the placement, ie the 2 year period. I never really felt safe on the 457 visa although I was advised by the in-house migration people in Sydney that it was a really strong visa and the best one for us.

 

So, where are we now?

 

We reminded ourselves of the reasons we came here in the first instance and decided that we should seek out every opportunity to stay. Basically this means that we need to find another sponsor asap. This is not so easy as Wayne was in the Fire Brigade in the UK and my job isn't on the skills in demand list either. The time of year and the global financial situation aren't helping either. There was a job for an emergency services officer at Olympic dam although when he rang and spoke to HR the recruitment for that post is on hold. He does have many transferable skills ie management experience, dealing with the commumity and training etc.

 

I have been offered an outplacement service and we are using every contact we have gained over the last five months to seek out opportunities.

 

Today my former employer said that if we don't leave the country by 28th January they won't pay for our flights home to the UK if that is what we decide to do. I don't think this is correct but it still leaves us in an unclear position and we need to know where we stand legally. I'm also in discussions with them about payment of relocation costs which were built into the salary over two years and which I have only received 5 months out of 22 months and which I think they are trying to get out of paying. When I rang the legal services line I was told to hire an Immigration Lawyer which would be very expensive and at the moment we truly need to batten down the hatches. I'm trying to talk to a local independent Senator who I understand is sometimes interested in taking on "lost causes". We have also been down to Immigration and understand that we won't be chucked out of the country immediately. That's very niice to know. We also have a house to sell.

 

So, you can see that the whole Adelaide experiece has gone rather pear-shaped for us - just in time for Xmas. The kids have really settled well into school and have made some lovely new friends. They are thriving on the new life that we have introduced them to. How can we tell them to say goodbye to these new friends only 6 months after they did the same thing in Bolton?

 

I'm recording everything that happens. In a few years I may well publish my memoirs. Although in the meantime I think an interview with some of the papers may be appropriate. I'm angry that they can treat people this way and in fact we have never been treated so badly ever.

 

Anyway, rant over for now:cryxmas:. We'll see what next week brings and hopefully some positive news.

 

I would also like to say that at times like these you certainly know who your fiends are. Many people scarper at the slightest whiff of bad news but there are people who are more than willing to turn up with a hanky or two and a box of red wine! (Or do I mean a hanky and a box of wine or two?!!!)

 

 

 

Merry Xmas

 

Carolyn

 

:cryxmas:

[Guest graandjac]

Cant offer any professional advice but i have to agree the way you have been treated looks disgusting, i would follow up every avenue you have even if it does mean a call to the paper....!!!, it looks like there has been something going on behind the scenes out of your control. I wish you all the best , iam sure she wont mind but give sarah of guzzler and sas a PM she works for a very good agency in the city

[Guest sjs]

WOW

 

i cannot offer any advice unfortunately though i just wanted to say i really hope you can work something out in order for you to stay. it wouldnt seem so bad if it were the 2 of you but when children are involved it is just that much worse.

 

the best of luck and i hope the new year brings good news

 

sarah jane

[foxychick]

That is so crap, don't know about that visa to be honest, and you seem to have most of your options covered - contacting people for a new sponser and having visited immigration.

 

From what I understand, now you have told immigration, this company should not be allowed to sponser another employee. (doesn't help you I know)

 

Best of luck in sorting something out.

[Guest caz and wayne]

Cant offer any professional advice but i have to agree the way you have been treated looks disgusting, i would follow up every avenue you have even if it does mean a call to the paper....!!!, it looks like there has been something going on behind the scenes out of your control. I wish you all the best , iam sure she wont mind but give sarah of guzzler and sas a PM she works for a very good agency in the city

 

Thanks Graham

 

Sas's is already on the case!

 

C

 

xxx

[Guest happy feet]

Again can't offer any legal advise, but just wanted to say how sorry i am to hear your sad and bad news, i can't believe you have been treated so badly. It does scare me abit, as i am coming over on a 457 visa, just shows nothing is set in stone.

 

So sorry again, and wish you every luck in the furture for you and your family

 

caraxxxx

[Guest Libby1971]

Hope fully you'll laugh to begin with...

 

How hot is your hubbie? The reason I ask is that the Firies, bless them for wanting to sound like Fairies, are currently selling a calender with hot firemen from round SA in it. Maybe he can be persuaded to sign up for next year.

 

Seriously though, at work the other day, we had training from the Fire Education S.... Training. I can't remember the exact details although I do know the initials were FEST. Either way, it might be worth giving them a call.

 

Sas is a superstar. I can't give you any promises but she'll try. Presumably you have already contacted other companies as well.

 

As for how you've been treated, I'd be reminding them that this kind of service goes both ways. And while they are treating you like this, two can play that game. The headlines would be great, think about it, British family kicked out of Oz just before Xmas. Better still, company makes new Aussies homeless. Guess who ruined Xmas? Play with the headlines. Hell somewhere on this site is a thread about GMTV. Contact them.

 

Have you contacted Immigration SA? The department which is trying to promote SA as the be all and end all of places to head towards. It might be an idea to say that as your experience has been so negative, then you are currently in the process of warning other migrants through the internet and are about to call the papers etc to warn them about the dangers of being associated with SA businesses.

 

If you used an agent in the first place, I would also contact them. Warn them this has happened to you, you were advised that this was the safest visa, what are your options now?

 

Personally, I am at my best as a vengeful bitch with PMT when protecting my loved ones. I'll be the heavy you need!!!!

 

I am thinking of you, take care, big huggles to you xx

[Guest brandyslad]

I was at an expo last weekend in Belfast and heard a lady from a company who take people out on 457 visas describing the visa as 'The Golden Ticket'. I was a horrified there was no mention made of the very 'temporary' nature of the visa or the fact you have 28 days to leave if they put you out of work or what happens if you don't like your employer.

 

They want my OH to go on this visa and yes we would be out there in a few months but I am wary of him not liking Aus as he feels he is trapped with an employer so we can say. Now I realise there are a lot of great employers offering 457 visas and if he is made redundant in the New Year (which might well happen) we would go on this - we would have to as so little work here, but we are going for the 475 and hoping to hold out til it comes through.

 

Also a lot of the people at the Expo didn't seem to have done much research so I thought it wasn't good that they are 'bigging up' the visa without mentioning any of the pitfalls. The like of this forum is a great source of info for checking things out.

 

I hope something works out for you and you get to stay, it is such a big move to have to come home after six months. Fingers crossed.

[Guest Kazzarazza]

So sorry to hear about your situation, I really hope something turns up soon. Might be worth checking out, but I'm sure I read somewhere on immi.gov.au that employees in regional areas (of which the whole of SA is for immigration purposes) could be exempt from the skills test so it may be possible for your husband to plead with SA Fire Service for a sponsorship or employer nomination. Could give you a few more options if you are both looking. I think it would be worth contacting Immigration SA too, as well as DIAC, as they should have more idea of any openings in this state.

 

However, I'm sorry Libby, but i don't agree with your suggestion of bad-mouthing the whole of SA business, as it will achieve nothing and will only result in making a lot of other people suffer. Whilst it's terrible what is happening to Caz and Wayne, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people on 457 visas who are treated very well, or who have successfully gone on to become permanent residents. The 457 program has been terrific, not only for the businesses concerned but also in helping a lot of people come to this country who might not otherwise been able to get in.

[Scousemouse]

Carolin and Wayne,

i am so very sad for you. what a crock of; pardon the french...........and at this time of year too. Bloody hell that's bad. I hope you guys get sorted very soon; as much for the children as yourselves. Best of luck to you all.

 

Cara, please dont worry; the situation for nurses is, i am sure very different. So far, my experience has been positive, at work anyway, but the rest is for another story!!! suffice to say, teenager troubles.

 

Carolyn, i have had a few pts this week, on mat leave, who assure me the banking industry is looking for staff; it may not be your thing, but it might be worth a shot. Sorry, i cant remember which banks, or which particular field, but when i inquired for the OH, they tell me they cant get enough people in!!

 

To all on this visa, have a written clause for PR after 6 months, many employers will do this, if you are the right person for the job.

 

jane

[Guest sarahsmartiepants]

Oh Carolyn, what can I say? I have sent you a pm with my agents number. Dont know if he can help though but worth one of those free chats.

Thinking of you allx

Sarah

[Guest Nick11]

That really does suck!

So sorry - if the worse comes to the worse try the local papers and adelaide today tonight news - they're always after a story.

Sending you lots of good karma.

Nick

[bill]

They have treated you terribly, and revenge would be very sweet indeed. However, solving your problem is of a higher priority! Have you thought of contacting "A Current Affair" http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/ ? They are always asking for human interest stories and the programs air at prime time. If you were lucky enough to get some air time, not only could you exact a measure of revenge, but would have a good chance of being seen by potential sponsors. Worth a try?

Best of luck,

Bill

[Diane]

That's such a sad story, and I really hope you manage to find another sponsor - fingers crossed for you anyway.

 

It is probably a very good cautionary tale though for others considering selling up everything and moving to the other side of the world for a "better life" - the recession is hitting here too and there is absolutely no such thing as a guaranteed job these days, people here are losing their jobs on a regular basis, and the job market is getting saturated with local job seekers, so regrettably, leaving UK and coming to Australia may well be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire!

 

It's not an easy economic time to be living through, that's for sure.

 

I will keep my ears open for anything for you anyway.

 

Diane

[Guest rockpool crab]

...the recession is hitting here too and there is absolutely no such thing as a guaranteed job these days, people here are losing their jobs on a regular basis, and the job market is getting saturated with local job seekers, so regrettably, leaving UK and coming to Australia may well be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire!

 

It's not an easy economic time to be living through, that's for sure.

 

I will keep my ears open for anything for you anyway.

 

Diane

 

Gulp. I had kinda hoped the recession wasn't as bad. I hope my OH doesn't read this one. My mother and father in law said it was happening all over the world and I stood up for Oz saying it had a more stable economy as it was more self sufficient. Looks like I'm eating humble pie :-(

 

Carol Ann

[Guest sam2500]

Hi to both of you,

So sorry to hear about the mess you are in.:mad:xmas

We are coming over on the 457 in February, so obviously it is a big concern.

I don't know if you are aware but the Australian Government are seriously looking at this visa at the moment, and are looking at making big changes in the future possibly, to prevent workers being exploited.

if you go on the www.gomatilda.com site, there is some useful information on the migration bit, especially by Alan Collett.

Hopefully things will turn out ok for you all.

Best wishes,

Sue David Sam.

[waynecaz]

hi carolyn, so so sorry to hear your news .

i hope everything works out for you,i wish i could do something to help .

take care carolyn x

[Guest rockpool crab]

Hi Carolyn,

 

I've just reread your note. It's an unbelievable story. I truly truly hope another sponsor turns up.

 

Wish I had loads of helpful ideas but one things for sure you sound very resiliant, sometimes these things happen for a reason. I hope to hear great news soon :-)

 

Kind regards...Carol Ann..x

[Guest caz and wayne]

All

 

I would just like to thank you all for your messages of support which help to know that we are not completely on our own.

 

Other than that, I'm not in a position to comment further or let you know how we're getting on because my original post was passed to the employer and this can only have been done by one other PIA member. You know who you are. I have to say that we're very disappointed in you as a person.

 

Any further messages will be done by PM.

 

C

 

xxxx

[Guest Django]

Well I for one am disgusted that anyone should do such a thing. Yes this is a public forum but it is not read by everyone in Adelaide. Without doubt your firm has been 'tipped off'. I hope you can sleep at night. As if the position wasn't bad enough without the pot being stirred. Shame on you.

 

 

Pete

[Guest Nick11]

That is disgusting. Shame on them. I only wish you could name and shame them on here- but I know 2 wrongs don't make a right!

Bet they don't have the bottle to defend themselves on here and own up!

[Guest C&MKing]

Once more I am unable to offer any advice, just think it is absolutely terrible how you have been treated, particularly as you have a family that they obviously would have known about.

 

I really hope you and your family get this sorted out and you are able to remain.

 

Very best wishes

Clare

[Guest sarahsmartiepants]

So? Am I getting this right? Someone on here reported Caz post to the employer?

Thats not nice if thats the case, we all know how posts can be taken out of context.

As if they dont have enough problems.

sarah

[Guest happy feet]

Can't belive what i reading.. who ever informed employees shame on you, hope you can sleep at nite..shame on you

[Jo & Steve]

So sorry to hear about your problems with the 457, hope it all works out in the not to distant future. One of the things I have always loved about this site is that it is not like other sites that shall not be mentioned, dont know how the person who knows who they are can stoop so low. It is difficult enough making this move without others causing waves.

Good Luck, take care.

Jo x