A company known for selling bubble tea in outlets across Perth has received a substantial fine and barred from employing sponsored workers for two years after an investigation by the Australian Border Force (ABF) found its sponsored workers were being underpaid.
The company has been fined $13,320 and placed on the ABF Register of Sanctioned Sponsors after numerous reports alleging they were failing to satisfy their obligations as a sponsor of foreign workers.
ABF Commander Ranjeev Maharaj said the ABF's Sponsor Monitoring Unit maintained a close eye on businesses employing foreign workers, ensuring businesses and workers complied with visa conditions, sponsorship obligations and equality of pay.
"Foreign sponsored workers play a crucial role in our economy and they are entitled to lawfully work in Australia without being exploited," Commander Maharaj said.
"Make no mistake, we are absolutely committed to investigating any reports of foreign worker exploitation in the workplace.
"Making profits off the back of foreign worker exploitation not only hurts those workers, but it is unfair to businesses in the community who are doing the right thing and treating all workers properly.
"If anyone is being exploited or is aware of someone who is being exploited in some way, you can be assured these concerns can be reported through Border Watch, regardless of your visa status."
The sanctioned company was also referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Reports of possible foreign worker exploitation can be made at Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.
