Illegal workers located by DIAC in state-wide operation

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Created on Thursday, 10 May 2012 18:08

Written by Editorial staff

Officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) joined forces with members of the New South Wales Police Force to undertake a number of compliance operations across the state during the week ending May 5.

Areas covered by officials during the execution of the program include Lithgow, Dubbo, Nyngan, Cobar, Parkes and Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains district - as well as Wallacia and Mulgrave in the outer regions of Sydney.

The initiatives managed to locate a total of 17 individuals who were thought to be working at established businesses even though their migration visas did not have employment permissions attached.

Ten of these people were granted bridging visas by the DIAC on strict terms that require them to leave the country and return home, while the remaining seven were detained by officers.

A departmental spokesman explained that investigations into their employment were continuing and further actions may be taken against the businesses concerned.

"Seven people are now detained at Sydney's Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for processing ahead of their removal from Australia at the earliest opportunity," said the spokesman.

The individuals concerned were from varied backgrounds, with people from Tonga, Fiji, China, India, the UK and the US being granted the bridging visas.

In addition, those who were held in detention were found to be from South Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan.

The spokesman explained: "Investigations into the circumstances of the employment of the illegal workers are continuing."

The spokesman also took the opportunity to remind managers and business owners of their responsibilities when looking at hiring individuals in possession of an immigration visa.

With personal fines of up to $13,200, commercial penalties of $66,000 and even prison terms of two years, the legislation surrounding the issue of migrant labour and responsible hiring practices allows the DIAC to be quite heavy handed if it feels the need.

These help to highlight the important roles played by registered migration agents in commercial settings.

While the Visa Employment Online Verification service is free to use and can provide valuable insight into an individual's right to work, an accredited professional is able to take the hassle out of sourcing international labour.

The right credentials help to demonstrate both the commitment to their clients and to the bus businesses they serve - with a strict code of behaviour that guides their services to be in line with the best interests of Australian enterprise and the community at large.