COVID-19 and What It Means for Employers
1. I run a business and have workers sponsored, but due to the mandatory closures because of COVID-19, I cannot afford to keep them on what can I do?
You will need to consider your obligations under a number of laws, including but not limited to employment, immigration and taxation laws.
We understand that many businesses need to make hard and difficult decisions during these unprecedented times, including to stand down workers temporarily or terminating their employment.
If you do not satisfy the legal obligations, it may affect your future business’s sponsorship eligibility.
Please contact us to ensure that your business follows and satisfies all of your legal obligations to avoid future consequences.
2. What are the consequences of my business terminating employment for the sponsored workers because of COVID-19?
You need to ensure that you have satisfied your legal obligations under the employment, immigration laws. There are severe consequences that may follow, depending on the nature of the termination.
Please contact us to ensure that your business follows and satisfies all of your legal obligations to avoid future consequences.
3. Rather than full-time work, can our business give part-time work to our sponsored workers during this Coronavirus Pandemic?
No, as it is a nomination requirement that the sponsored work visa holder is employed in a full-time position and under Department’s policy, such employment arrangements would generally be expected to continue for the entire period of the work visa.
However, our team of immigration lawyers can assist it in formulating several strategies to tackle this issue and others that are associated.
4. I have to close my business permanently because of COVID-19, what are my obligations to the sponsored workers?
You would need to notify the Department of any sponsored worker that has ceased employment with you. This is part of your sponsorship obligations. In a few cases or circumstances, the sponsor is also required to pay travel costs to enable sponsored person to leave Australia. For Sponsorship obligations, visit: Sponsorship Obligations.
If you have not engaged the services of a professional, our firm has expanded it's services to support you during these difficult times, including negotiating financial commitments to your creditors.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You
Whilst not losing our identity as the forerunner in Immigration Law, to support and assist our clients during this crisis, we are required to evolve to be ready, able, and prepared to serve our clients during this time by expanding our legal services beyond immigration law.
Our firm has created a Special Coronavirus (COVID-19) Taskforce to help our clients battle through and find solutions during this Pandemic. Our team is equipped and trained to advise you on across a wide range of issues you may be encountering in the markets where you operate.