The Federal Government is cracking down on the number of 457 skilled worker visas handed out to McDonald’s and other fast-food chains.

More than 500 skilled worker visas have been approved for fast-food outlets over the past four years.

Nearly 300 have worked at McDonald’s, almost 100 at KFC and more than 70 at Hungry Jacks.

More than 300 individual stores employ foreign staff.

There had been a fast-track visa process for the industry after Julia Gillard’s Labor Government approved the Fast Food Industry Labour Agreement in 2012, but the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has recently scrapped it.

“Australian workers, particularly young Australians, must be given priority,” Mr Dutton said.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to ensuring that career pathways are available for young Australians.

“Fast-track arrangements for the fast-food industry put in place by Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen in 2012 are not consistent with putting Australian workers first.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he commended Mr Dutton for taking action on the agreement.

Fast-food businesses can still apply through the regular 457 process.

– ABC