The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) is hailing a decision made by the High Court Yesterday and states it will protect local jobs and prevent the exploitation of foreign workers in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry.

The decision connotes that all workers on relevant vessels and floating structures in the migration zone will require Subclass 400 or 457 visas. These visas will permit workers to enter Australia in a way other than through a port or pre-cleared flight whilst working or supporting an offshore resource.

Due to the high court ruling, workers on these vessels will now have to apply for and gain a visa before they can work within the offshore resource sector, this empowers workers to be paid to set standards and will improve working conditions for foreigners in these job roles.

Noelene Merrey CEO of ISA Group commented “This gives us as Professional migration agents more clarity as we advise clients on visa solutions for contract in Australia in the maritime industry. There was a very grey area in the previous legislation which sometimes caused confusion and risk for our clients. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this latest change in legislation.”

There is high debate on whether this will add red tape and costs for employers in the industry and reduce the competitiveness of what is one of Australia’s biggest export earners.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or call ISA Group on +61 418 948 308

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