AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Risks of Working Illegally in Australia

Friday, 29 May 2009

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have reminded Australian employers to check that their staff have the right to work in Australia.

"Checking work entitlements make good business sense," a DIAC spokesman said. "The last thing a business owner wants is to lose a worker because they do not have a valid visa to work in Australia."

DIAC also say that employers in the retails and hospitality industries are amongst the highest risk working environments for hiring illegal workers.

"All employers need to be aware that it is a criminal offence to employ or refer a person for work where that person does not hold the entitlement to work in Australia."

"Employers convicted of these offences could face fines of up to $13,200 and two years’ imprisonment per illegal worker hired."

"Companies face fines of up to$66,000 per illegal worker".

Employers now have the ability to check work entitlements at any time using DIACs online system called Visa Entitlement Verification online (VEVO), which makes it possible to check the status and check the visa entitlements for employees without even requesting their passports due to the online nature of certain visas.

"VEVO enables visa holders to view their visa details online," a DIAC spokesman said. "The system is also for employers, who can use it to ensure that their workers have the entitlement to work in Australia."

"Visa labels attached to passports provide limited information about visa status and conditions that apply to the visa. Now, visa holders can find out all about their visa status and visa conditions at the click of a button."

At least 50,000 people log onto VIVO monthly to look at their visa details. Fewer and fewer people need to personally visit a DIAC office to get their visa evidenced into their passports.

If you are interested in Visas to Australia, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.