Malcolm Turnbull has announced he is abolishing the 457 visa program for skilled migrants. [videocard video="923292227646"]
The prime minister said Australia was a successful multicultural "immigration nation" but it was time to put Australians first.
"Australia is the most successful multicultural nation in the world, we are an immigration nation, but he fact remains Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs," he said in a video posted to Facebook on Tuesday.
"We will no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians."
Mr Turnbull said it remained critical to give businesses access to skilled staff.
"The 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa specifically designed to recruit the best and the brightest in the national interest," he said.
"The new visa will better target genuine skills shortages, including in regional Australia."
The new visa program will include requirements around work experience, English language proficiency and labour market testing.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to roll out a new training fund.
