AAP


Fair Work inspectors would have greater powers to oversee the 457 visa program for skilled migrant workers, under changes announced by the federal government.


Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten said on Monday legislation would be introduced to parliament as soon as possible to extend the powers of the office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).


Mr Shorten said inspectors would ensure compliance with the 457 scheme.


FWO inspectors - who already undertake 10,000 inspections of workplaces a year - would be able to match migration paperwork with job descriptions and actual work undertaken, he said.


The government says there are problems with the overuse of 457 visas, especially in the health and information technology sectors.


Mr Shorten said the laws were about ensuring there was one body responsible for compliance.


"In terms of our workplace relations, it's about making sure the jobs that people perform, the training opportunities that people are promised - both for Australians and for visitors and guest workers in our country - that the promises are being kept," he told reporters in Canberra.


Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor said it was important workers and employers had confidence in the scheme.


Having been criticised for using the 457 issue as an election ploy, Mr O'Connor said work had been progressing on the changes for 12 months.


"We will continue to do the right thing to ensure we have the integrity of this scheme in place," he said.