76 illegal workers removed from Australia
Friday, 26 February 2010
Seventy-six illegal workers who were caught after an immigration operation in country Victoria have been removed from Australia.
They were flown back to their home countries last night in what was the largest mass removal of illegal workers from Australia since March 2005, when 74 people were returned by charter to Malaysia and Thailand.
The 63 Malaysian and 13 Indonesian nationals were among a group of 85 people apprehended by immigration officers last week in the Goulburn Valley town of Mooroopna.
Arrangements are being made to remove the remaining nine illegal workers – three Koreans, a Nepalese and five Malaysians.
All 85 had originally entered Australia lawfully with valid visas but had been working illegally in the local horticulture industry, picking fruit on a nearby tomato farm and a pear orchard.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the department's ongoing immigration compliance operations highlighted a strong commitment to combating illegal workers.
"The fact that within the space of nine days these people have been located, detained and removed from Australia demonstrates the government's commitment to stamping out illegal work," Senator Evans said.
Immigration compliance officers, assisted by the Australian Federal Police, raided a caravan park in Mooroopna on February 16 after a tip-off from a member of the public. During the operation, 90 people were found to be working illegally in the horticulture industry in the region.
Of that group, 85 were found to be unlawful non-citizens or working in breach of their visa conditions. They were immediately detained in the Maribyrnong and Villawood immigration detention centres and the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation.
The remaining five people were overseas students with work rights. They were required to attend an Immigration office and served with warning notices.
Investigations are continuing into the circumstances of the group’s employment and the likelihood that labour hire organisers were involved.
"It is the responsibility of employers to check with the department that all people they hire have the legal right to work in Australia," Senator Evans said. "Employers can face severe penalties for hiring people who do not have work rights in Australia."
Employers convicted under Commonwealth legislation face fines of up to $13 200 and two years' imprisonment while companies face fines of up to $66 000 per worker. People with information about illegal workers or visa overstayers should call the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2010/ce10017.htm
Last update: 26 February 2010 at 08:37 AEST