The Department of Immigration and Border Protection announced changes to the immigration program, including the abolition of the temporary work visas (subclass 457).

The changes see two occupations utilised by Rex completely removed from the official list of eligible occupations – aeroplane pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer.

Two other occupations are now only allowed short term visas and are ineligible for residency.

“As a small regional carrier, Rex has been forced to conduct expensive recruitment exercises in South Africa, the United States and Europe to bring in experienced captains,” Rex chief operating officer Neville Howell said.