Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) compliance officers, with Victoria Police, located 12 illegal workers at a busy Glen Waverley restaurant.
A departmental spokesman said it was believed to be the largest number of illegal workers yet located during a single-restaurant compliance operation by DIAC in Victoria.
“Of the eight men and four women detained, 11 were Malaysian nationals and one a Chinese national,” the spokesman said.
“About 70 patrons were there when DIAC officers and Glen Waverley police officers attended last night.
“Those detained included cooks, kitchen hands, waiters and waitresses.
“Eleven had overstayed their visas, while another was working in breach of his visa conditions, and had his visa cancelled.”
All were transferred to the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) while arrangements were made to remove them from Australia as soon as possible.
“The restaurant owner will get a first-warning from DIAC about penalties for employing illegal workers and be advised how to verify whether prospective staff can legally work in Australia,” the spokesman said.
The department receives information from various sources, include tip-offs, about people working without visas, or working in breach of visa conditions.
Employers have access to the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service, allowing them to provide relevant identification details of prospective employees, with their consent, to confirm they are eligible to work in Australia.
Employers convicted under Commonwealth legislation of having illegal workers face fines of up to $13 200 and two years’ imprisonment, while companies face fines of up to $66 000 per illegal worker.
Source: Australian Immigration
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