Big business is urging Labor MPs not to be swayed by emotional debate about the use of foreign workers on mining magnate Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill iron ore project in Western Australia.

In an open letter, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) has told Labor's Caucus that there are already enough rules in place to ensure Australian workers are protected, including a consultation process with unions and social inclusion targets.

Last week, it was announced that Ms Rinehart had reached an enterprise migration agreement (EMA) that would let her sponsor 1,700 overseas workers on 457 visas for the Roy Hill project in the Pilbara.

Caucus is expected to examine placing tougher conditions on EMAs today.

But BCA chief executive Jennifer Westacott says there is already enough red tape around business activity in Australia.

"This was a policy they announced in the 2011 budget and we want them to stick to it," Ms Westacott said.

"And secondly, we want them to avoid the temptation to add lots of process to this, thereby adding red tape and effectively defeating the purpose of it."

Ms Westacott says business must be consulted if Caucus does decide to change the law.

And she warns that jobs are at risk if mining projects are unable to proceed due to a shortage of labour.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Listen Duration: 3 minutes 41 seconds 3 m 41 s Business editor Peter Ryan with Jennifer Westacott Download 1.7 MB

"Many Australians do not want to go to these remote locations," she said.

"We're talking about needing to top up the Australian labour force, particularly during these construction phases.

"Once those construction phases are ended then the jobs fall back to Australians to operate these major projects, so we've got to remember that these projects will create jobs for Australians. And it's always everyone's preference to employ Australians and to train Australians."

Ms Westacott also sounded a note of caution on the emotional tone of the debate surrounding the visa agreement.

"It has become very emotional, and it's very disturbing to see the play on the word 'foreign' all the time, which obviously is intended to touch those emotional chords," she said.