A Dublin man has been handed a lifeline by immigration authorities after he found himself stranded in Australia.

Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor’s recent claim of over 10,000 abuses of the 457 visa scheme is based on an estimate, he has said.

The Australian Taxation Office is set to target visa holders in a massive investigation into fraud and tax infringements.

Industry bodies are extremely concerned about the political debate surrounding the 457 visa scheme, with claims that it has even invoked “racist sentiment”.

Almost 8,000 Irish people and their dependants have been granted 457 visas in this financial year, figures show.

Almost 1,000 Irish workers have moved employers while on a 457 visa so far this financial year, immigration figures reveal.

A Dublin-born lawyer was deported on Wednesday morning, after losing a lengthy legal battle against Ireland’s efforts to extradite him.

Irishwoman Avril Kilfeather is enduring a 457 visa nightmare after she was recently let go from her second job.

A company director has raised concerns about the lack of clarity around planned changes to the 457 visa scheme.

The number of Irish citizens on the 457 visa scheme is continuing to grow, despite overall visa grants in the programme sliding.