DIAC identifies 23 illegal workers in Sydney

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Created on Friday, 13 January 2012 17:39

Written by Editorial staff

A building site in Homebush Bay was the scene of an operation by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) that saw a number of workers identified as potentially being employed illegally.

Compliance officers were joined by members of the NSW Police to assist in the location of 23 men in Sydney's west.

The construction site was found to have hired the workers as cement renderers, plasterers and cleaners.

Hailing from a range of Asiatic backgrounds, 20 of the men were detained buy officials and now await deportation.

Of the 23 identified, three still had current visas and were released by DIAC staff on strict conditions.

Two of these individuals were granted short-term bridging visas, while the third was counselled by compliance personnel.

A departmental spokesman explained that the DIAC would begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the hiring of the 23 men by the businesses and individuals in charge of the building site.

The spokesman asserted: "Illegal workers in Australia will not be tolerated and the department actively investigates community reports and takes swift action to apprehend non-citizens without work rights.

"It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that the non-Australian workers they hire hold a visa with valid work rights."

In addition the spokesman took the opportunity to remind business owners that the Visa Entitlement Verification Online service was able to provide managers with detailed information on the working rights of individuals' migration visas - allowing them to make more informed decisions on their hiring choices.

Secretary for the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union in NSW Brian Parker told The Australian that it was "common practice" in the construction industry to hire migrant workers.

However, he said the act of employing people "that haven't got the legal right to work" was not acceptable and has "got to stop".

Businesses hiring people in breach of - or not in possession of - a valid visa may be required to pay fines of up to $66,000 per illegal worker if found guilty.

The individuals responsible can also be held liable and may face penalties of $13,200 and two years' imprisonment.

While the DIAC makes several avenues available for businesses and managers to check their legal requirements, it is also quite vigilant in checking up on reports of suspicious hiring activities.

For this reason, savvy operations will be sure to check the immigration visas presented by potential international hires before they commence employment.