A major multi-agency operation is underway to dismantle networks of scam migration agents accused of swindling vulnerable visa applicants out of more than $1.4 million.
The Department of Home Affairs’ Field Operations officers, supported by Commonwealth partners, are targeting individuals posing as agents who offer unlawful migration advice and exploit applicants desperate to stay in Australia.
Investigators are focusing on those who advise people to lodge Protection (subclass 866) visa applications despite knowing they are ineligible. Victims are charged excessive fees and then encouraged to make false claims in order to secure bridging visas with work rights.
So far, four major scam operators have been located and removed from Victoria and Queensland, with a further three detained and awaiting removal. Together, the seven are linked to more than 470 fraudulent Protection visa applications, generating around $1,422,000 in illegal fees.
Authorities believe the schemes may have ties to organised crime and other fraudulent activities.
Commander of Field Operations and Sponsoring Monitoring, John Taylor, issued a blunt warning: “If you engage in this sort of unlawful activity, chances are you have been reported and we are coming for you. Don’t do it. We simply will not tolerate scammers taking advantage of the hopes and fears of vulnerable people.”
The crackdown is set to expand in coming months, with more targets expected. Applicants themselves are also on notice, with serious fines and lengthy jail terms possible if they knowingly lodge false Protection claims.
Lavinia Mitchell, Assistant Secretary of the Citizenship and Humanitarian Policy Branch, cautioned against trusting unregistered operators. “Scam agents may tell you to provide false or misleading information and false documents when applying for a Protection visa. But this activity is illegal and could result in you, the applicant, facing large fines and possible jail time for up to 10 years.”
She added that applicants should use registered migration agents or free legal providers listed on the Home Affairs website. Mitchell stressed that the harm extends beyond individuals: “By making false Protection visa claims on behalf of their clients, they also slow the system down for people who genuinely need Australia’s protection. A Protection visa is for asylum seekers, not for people who just want to stay longer in Australia to work. Home Affairs has made big changes to the Protection visa application process. We’re speeding up processing times so that Protection visas are quickly granted to those in need, while those who are ineligible are swiftly refused.”
Emily Winch, Senior Director of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), reminded applicants that migration advice cannot be sold by anyone who is not properly authorised. “Visa applicants should check if an agent is registered before engaging and paying for an agent’s services by visiting OMARA’s Self-Service Portal.”
Officials say the effort is central to keeping the system fair for genuine asylum seekers while protecting vulnerable applicants from exploitation. Anyone with information about potential immigration offences is encouraged to report through Home Affairs’ Border Watch service, with the option to remain anonymous.
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