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Utilising Brazilian Talent in Australian Hospitality

5 min read · April 17, 2024 Myril Enolpe

Australia's vibrant hospitality industry is a melting pot of different cultures, each contributing its unique flair to the scene. One such culture that stands out is the Brazilian community. With their boundless energy and rich cultural heritage, Brazilians have become an integral part of cafes, restaurants, and bars across the country. Their contagious enthusiasm and strong work ethic have made them highly valued members of the industry.


When Brazilians are around, the dining experience becomes even more special. They bring a genuine taste of Brazil's warm and festive spirit, making every meal feel like a party. It's not just about serving food. It's about sharing a piece of their home and creating an atmosphere of celebration. Because of their unique skills and hardworking nature, Brazilians are highly valued in the Australian hospitality industry.


Whether you're in busy Sydney or cozy Melbourne, you can see the influence of Brazil's vibrant culture and strong work ethic everywhere. Brazilians have become a beloved part of Australia's hospitality industry, and their presence is truly cherished.

Legal Framework for Hiring Brazilians in Australia


Hiring Brazilian employees in Australia can be tricky due to legal requirements surrounding visa applications, sponsorship obligations, and protecting the rights of foreign employees. A basic understanding of these requirements will be helpful, but it's always best to seek professional advice to follow the rules. Hereโ€™s a foundational guide for employers in the hospitality sector.



Visa Types for Hospitality Roles:


  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482): This program is helpful for employers in the hospitality industry who need to fill temporary skill gaps for short term. It allows them to sponsor Brazilians for up to four years, depending on the job.


  • Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): This program is quite popular among young people ages 18 to 35 looking for temporary work and travel opportunities in Australia. This is a temporary visa valid for one year and can be extended under certain conditions.



Sponsorship Requirements:


  • Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS): A company that wants to hire foreign employees must be approved as a sponsor. This means they must show that they are committed to training local employees and have a genuine need for foreign talent.


  • Labour Market Testing (LMT): Before hiring foreign employees, employers must show that they have tried recruiting local Australian employees. This includes advertising the job position to the local community.


  • Salary and Employment Conditions: Ensure that employees in Brazil are paid fairly and treated well at work per the regulations and standards set by the Australian Fair Work laws. This includes receiving a minimum wage and working in safe and healthy conditions.



Foreign Employees Rights in Australia:


  • Workplace Protections: If you are a Brazilian citizen working in Australia on a visa, you should know you have the same rights and protections as Australian citizens. Your employer must ensure you receive fair pay, good working conditions, and a safe work environment.


  • Visa Conditions Compliance: Employees and employers must follow the rules and restrictions of different visa types. This includes limitations on the kind of work that can be done and requirements for reporting.


  • Support and Resources: The Fair Work Ombudsman offers support and guidance to overseas employees to help them understand their work rights and find help if required.


Important Reminder: If you plan to hire employees from other countries in Australia, you should know that the legal requirements for doing so often change. To make sure you're complying with the current laws and requirements for visas in Australia, it's advisable to consult with immigration lawyers or registered migration agents. This will help protect the rights of both your business and the foreign employees you hire.

Step-by-Step Recruitment Guide



Recruiting in today's worldwide market means knowing and respecting different cultures. When trying to attract talented people from Brazil, the hiring process needs a mix of clear communication and an understanding of their culture. Use this helpful guide to ensure you reach and connect with Brazilian professionals in the best way possible.


  • Understanding Cultural Context: Start by learning about Brazilian culture and how they do business. This means understanding the importance of personal connections, being straightforward but polite when communicating, and being flexible with schedules. Use this knowledge to attract Brazilian job seekers when hiring.


  • Advertising Roles: Use well-known Brazilian websites and social media platforms (like LinkedIn, Catho, and Vagas) to advertise your job openings. Write the job ads in Portuguese or provide a translated version to make sure everyone can understand. Emphasise company values important to Brazilian professionals, like working together as a team and being socially responsible.


  • Job Description Clarity: Communicate the responsibilities, skill requirements, work experience, and timeline for hiring to ensure everyone understands what is expected. Provide details about the company culture, chances for growth, and any assistance available for moving or obtaining a visa if needed.


  • Application Process: Make sure the application process is easy to understand and complete. Countries may have different ways of formatting resumes and organising education systems. Encourage applicants to include their accomplishments and skills significant in Brazilian culture.


  • Culturally Sensitive Interviews: To help candidates feel comfortable, conduct interviews in Portuguese or provide an interpreter. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential, like the Brazilian way of negotiating and promoting oneself, which may be more modest than other cultures. Ask questions considering these cultural nuances, allowing candidates to effectively demonstrate their skills and personality.


  • Effective Communication: During the hiring process, it's essential to communicate respectfully and promptly. This shows that your company values honesty and respect. After interviews, giving helpful feedback is vital, even if the outcome differs from what the candidate hoped for. This will help your company build a good reputation with potential employees.


  • Onboarding: Create an inclusive onboarding plan that supports Brazilian employees in adapting well to your company. Provide language assistance if needed and introduce them to Brazilian networks or communities within your organisation.


To attract talented individuals from Brazil and create a welcoming work environment, it's crucial to adapt your recruitment process and communicate clearly. Recognising and appreciating cultural differences can enhance your company's diversity and promote inclusivity. This inclusive approach fosters a respectful and harmonious global work environment for the long term.


Cultural Integration and Mutual Respect in the Workplace



It's crucial for businesses to have a friendly and diverse workplace. This has a positive impact in the workplace as it helps develop new ideas, be creative, and finish work efficiently. Businesses can ensure everyone feels included and respected by promoting cultural diversity and mutual respect among their teams. Here's how businesses can encourage cultural integration and mutual respect in their teams:


  • Implement Regular Cultural Awareness Sessions: Education is essential for learning about and respecting others. Have regular employee meetings to explore various cultures, religions, and traditions. This might include guest speakers, sensitivity training, or team members sharing their backgrounds.


  • Celebrate Multicultural Events: Recognising and celebrating cultural events worldwide in your workplace is essential. Embracing various cultures at work adds diversity and makes the environment more interesting and inclusive. You can organise a multicultural potluck where employees can bring dishes from their home countries.


  • Encourage Open Communication: Create a welcoming space for everyone to share their thoughts and opinions. Talk about different backgrounds and make sure there are ways to give feedback on these topics.


  • Create Inclusive Policies and Practices: Check your company rules to ensure they are fair and respectful of different cultural practices and needs, like holidays, food preferences, and prayer schedules. This shows that you are dedicated to supporting your employees' different backgrounds.


  • Organise Team-Building Activities That Promote Inclusivity: Team-building activities should be created to include everyone, no matter where they come from. Instead of focusing on winning or losing, activities that encourage working together can help team members develop respect and understanding for one another.


By integrating employees from different cultures, companies can offer better services and gain a competitive edge. Creating a work environment that respects different cultures and adheres to legal norms is necessary to achieve this. Before hiring employees from different countries, seeking legal and professional advice is vital to ensure compliance with immigration and employment laws. By doing so, businesses can benefit from a dynamic and diverse team while safeguarding their operations.


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Important Notice

The information contained in this article is general in nature and you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs. Legal and other matters referred to in this article are of a general nature only and are based on RosterElf's interpretation of laws existing at the time and should not be relied on in place of professional advice.

RosterElf is not responsible for the content of any site owned by a third party that may be linked to this article and no warranty is made by us concerning the suitability, accuracy or timeliness of the content of any site that may be linked to this article.

RosterElf disclaims all liability (except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded) for any error, inaccuracy, or omission from the information contained in this article and any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.

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