New Payment for Visa laws increase liability for CEOs, CFOs & company directors

New laws have been introduced to prevent abuse of the work visa system by creating criminal and civil penalties for persons seeking to give or receive an improper benefit in return for visa sponsorship.

While the vast majority of Australian businesses who use the sponsored visa system will already comply with the legislation the new law places an onus on businesses to take steps to ensure staff and agents of the business understand and act in accordance with the laws. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties for the business and its officers.

The legislation is a timely reminder of the importance for businesses to implement effective systems and processes to control the organisation's visa sponsorship program.