Compliance operation picks up 13 illegal workers in North Queensland
Friday, 4 April 2008
Immigration compliance officers have located 13 people suspected of illegally working in the agricultural industry near Cairns, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today.
In a joint operation with Queensland Police, the eight men and five women, who are all Malaysian nationals, were located near the town of Dimbulah, where they were living. Nine are unlawful non–citizens and four have had their visas cancelled for breaching work conditions.
Senator Evans said the immigration compliance operations highlighted a strong commitment to combating illegal workers.
'The department's compliance officers are committed to maintaining the integrity of Australia's visa program by locating people working illegally and overstaying their visas,' Senator Evans said.
The operation was based on information from the community, who had advised Queensland Police about concerns people were working illegally in the area.
The 13 people will be transported to the Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation Centre while arrangements are made for their removal from Australia.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship officers, often with assistance from state police, make regular visits to workplaces and properties in many parts of Australia in an effort to detect and locate people who are in the country illegally or who are working illegally.
'It is the responsibility of employers to ensure they only hire people with the right to work in Australia,' Senator Evans said.
'Severe penalties can apply to people who hire workers who do not have work rights in Australia.
'Employers convicted under this legislation face fines of up to $13 200 and two years' imprisonment while companies face fines of up to $66 000 per illegal worker.'
The department provides a range of services for employers to check work rights, including the Employer Work Rights Checking Information Line, a free–call centralised Employer Work Rights Fax–back Facility as well as an online service.
People with information on visa overstayers or illegal workers should call the Immigration Dob-In Line.
Telephone: 1800 009 623
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
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Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST