Australian Border Force (ABF) officers and the Fair Work Ombudsman have carried out surprise inspections at 40 businesses across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay as part of a joint effort to ensure migrant workers are being employed lawfully.
The inspections covered a range of industries including fast food, hospitality, retail, hair and beauty services, and healthcare. Authorities examined whether employers were meeting their obligations under workplace and immigration laws, with a focus on the treatment and employment conditions of migrant workers.
The operation forms part of ongoing compliance activities aimed at identifying potential breaches and raising awareness of employer responsibilities. Officials said migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable to workplace exploitation, especially where employers seek to take advantage of a person’s visa status.
Under Australian law, using a worker’s immigration status to coerce, exploit or pressure them is a criminal offence. Penalties can include up to two years’ imprisonment and substantial financial penalties.
The Fair Work Ombudsman and ABF regularly work together on compliance activities, with both agencies encouraging employers to ensure they understand their legal obligations. While authorities have not released details of any alleged breaches arising from the latest inspections, the agencies said the checks were intended to promote compliance and deter unlawful conduct.
Employer groups and workplace advocates have previously supported targeted enforcement efforts, arguing that they help maintain fair competition and protect workers from exploitation. At the same time, business organisations have stressed the importance of providing employers with clear guidance on visa and workplace requirements to avoid inadvertent breaches.
Employers can verify the work rights of prospective employees through the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system, which provides information about visa conditions and work entitlements.
The latest inspections highlight ongoing scrutiny of workplaces that employ migrant workers, as regulators continue efforts to address exploitation and ensure compliance across a range of sectors.
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