Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Australian counterpart Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday over phone to express his concern over possible impact of changes in Australia's visa programme on Indian skilled professionals.
Hindustan Times reported that PM Turnbull called up PM Modi to thank him for his successful recent visit to India.
It was during this call; PM Modi raised his concerns over axing of 457 visa issue, largely used by Indian skilled professionals.
A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, the two Prime Ministers agreed that officials from both sides will remain in “close touch on the issue.”
PM Turnbull made sweeping changes to the Australian visa programme as part of his administration's "Australian First" policy by abolishing temporary work visa popular with foreigners and replacing it with a visa requiring better English-language and work experience.
Majority of the 95,000 workers on 457 visa in Australia, are Indian professionals.
"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains- Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs," he said. "We'll no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," Turnball said while making the announcement.
The 457 visa is set to be replaced by a two new temporary work visas. The new visa will be limited to a two-year period and a second four-year visa will require a higher standard of English language.
