The government introduced the Migration Amendment (offshore resources activity) repeal bill 2014 into the House of Representatives on 27 March 2014.

The Bill seeks to repeal the Migration Amendment (Offshore Resources Activity) Act 2013 ('ORA Act') to remove the need for foreign workers to hold a visa when they participate in, or support, an offshore resource activity.

The ORA Act will take effect on 29 June 2014 if not repealed before this date. From this date, a non-citizen who is in an area to participate in, or support, an offshore resources activity in relation to that area will be within the Migration Zone and will need to hold either a permanent visa, or one of the following visas:

• Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) – for articled crew members of vessels working  in an offshore resources activity
• Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400) – for people to do short-term, highly specialised and non-ongoing work for a period of up to three months
• A Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) – for skilled workers sponsored by their employer to work in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor for up to four years.