TENS of thousands of low-paid migrants could be allowed into Australia to work as waiters, kitchenhands and cooks.
Foreigners on cheap wages are a better option than unemployed Australians, industry experts say.
They want visa restrictions dropped, including English language levels, so migrants can be brought over to tend bars, drive tour buses, wait tables and staff casinos. In a submission to the Federal Government, tourism groups want migrant workers to plug gaps in tourist hubs such as Melbourne.
Visa change is risky
They say a job shortfall of 36,000 will balloon to 56,000 in the next four years. Unions blame low wages and long hours for the shortage.
Industry players want to bypass restrictions under 457 visas - that foreigners must meet set English levels and can only be employed in skilled jobs earning more than $49,300 - under a new tourism labour agreement.
Submissions suggest wages be paid at market or award rates as low as $33,800 - a waiter's yearly wage.
Groups also want English tests relaxed, with Restaurant and Catering Australia noting workers at some restaurants and catering businesses didn't communicate in English anyway.
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"Given the profile of the available jobs, immigration may be a better longer-term source of labour," the RCA said.
But the ACTU's submission said only highly skilled workers should qualify to protect Australian jobs and overseas workers from exploitation.
"Employers will undoubtedly argue that they can't find Australians to do these jobs," it says.
But the perceived skills shortage was probably because Australians rejected the low pay and long hours.
Lack of career opportunities was also unattractive.
