Temporary skilled workers migrating to Australia have halved since this time a year ago, after more stringent workplace laws came into force.

Immigration figures released yesterday show applications for category-457 visas plummeted 49 per cent in the five months to November, after the laws required employers to pay equal wages and lift conditions for foreign workers.

Across the country, the average salary of those on 457 visas jumped to $85,300, up from $74,700 in the same period a year earlier.

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