Any news on LAFHA

[Danmon]

Has anyone got any up to date news on the LAFHA situation ? I've been looking all over the place and can't find anything recent.

Is it still a case of wait and see if the legislation is passed or is it set in stone for the 1st of July?

Danny

[AoifesMum]

Hi Danny. I think it's a pretty open and closed case - I don't think the government are going to change anything in the draft legislation, nor will they extend the transitionary period to 457 visa holders. I think the latest was that the Treasury had confirmed that the bill will be presented as originally drafted (so much for all those submissions, the unfair transitionary clauses and possible illegal contravention of various tax agreements) and HR departments will be ceasing LAFHA arrangements from 1st July for employees, even if the legislation is not passed as, if they don't, it's likely the law will be applied retrospectively. This is just info I've gleaned from various blogs and sites. You've probably looked at Facebook - You're Having A LAFHA - it's been a great source of info. Unfortunately it seems that the government had no intention of listening to anything anyone had to say and, in their pursuit of short-term political vote gathering and budget balancing, they're content to see skilled migrants leave the country or not consider coming at all. I won't even go into the impact this has had on families already here as I'm boring myself now. Hope you're not too badly affected by the whole farcical debacle.