The Australian Border Force (ABF) kick started the month of May with a NSW state-wide campaign targeting foreign worker exploitation within the hospitality industry.
The ABF Sponsor Monitoring Unit maintains a close eye on businesses employing foreign workers, ensuring businesses and workers comply with visa conditions, sponsorship obligations and equality of pay.
Dedicated ABF teams completed a huge 45 activities across Wollongong, Newcastle, Nelsons Bay, Shoal Bay, Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour and Canberra, targeting exploitation before it occurs.
The state-wide blitz included monitoring businesses currently employing sponsored workers, and educational visits for those looking to bolster their workforce through visa and sponsorship pathways. Awareness sessions were also conducted with existing foreign workers, offering information on rights and responsibilities within the Australian workforce.
Superintendent Brett Totten said the prevention of foreign worker exploitation continues to be a high priority for the ABF, regardless of metropolitan or regional location.
"Sponsored workers play a critical role within the Australian economy, with their skills, qualifications and experience filling vital vacancies across the country," he said.
"All employees, be that Australian citizens, or sponsored workers, must receive appropriate wages and suitable working conditions."
Exploitative employers can face significant financial penalties, cancellation of sponsorship agreements and receive a bar from future sponsorship applications.
Information on sponsorship pathways, opportunities for skilled foreign workers, and sponsorship obligations can be found at www.abf.gov.au.
If you are aware of an individual, business or employer who might be facilitating visa fraud, illegal work or exploiting vulnerable persons, contact Border Watch.
