The Federal Government has announced it will legislate to amend the Migration Act to clarify the visa requirements for workers in offshore maritime zones.

 

Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, said the decision to make the amendment was taken following the Federal Court’s decision on the Allseas case earlier this year, which found that the migration zone, as currently defined in the act, does not extend to a vessel engaged in laying pipeline on th seabed.

 

A Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) review will explore the application of the Migration Act to offshore resource industry workers and the best options for legislative change.

 

“We want to ensure the rights of workers in the offshore resources industry are appropriately protected, while at the same time promoting opportunities for Australians to work on important local resource projects,” Mr Bowen said.

 

The DIAC review will consider a range of issues, including limitations of current legislation and case law, concerns expressed by unions, industry groups and state and territory governments, and the practicalities and costs of enforcing compliance in offshore maritime zones.