Move to crack down on 'payments for visas'

A move to make it illegal for employers to charge foreigners for sponsorship on temporary skilled work visas should be extended to cover all work-related visas, Labor says.

Legislation proposing jail time, hefty fines or other penalties for those caught exploiting the 457 visa program cleared the lower house on Tuesday.

Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles supported the bill but said it did not go far enough, and flagged seven amendments to be introduced in the Senate.

He wants the measures to apply to student and working holiday visas, increase the penalties for sponsors and a provision to protect whistleblowers.

Labor also wants visa applicants who have been the subject of human trafficking, forced labour or slavery to be exempt from penalties.

"I think what underlines all of this is that ... in Australia, you should work under Australian conditions of employment," Mr Marles told parliament.

A Senate inquiry has recommended current and potential visa holders, employer groups and those who provide migration advice be consulted to ensure the proposed measures were well understood.