An Australian Border Force (ABF) operation is cracking down on unlawful migrant workers in the heavy vehicle industry.
The operation is targeting “visa integrity, migrant worker exploitation and safety risks in the heavy vehicle transport industry that put other road users at risk”.
Border Force officers are working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to check vehicles across South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria during the week-long operation.
So far ABF officers have cancelled three student visas where the holders had breached their visa conditions, issued three Notices of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICCs), and counselled nine drivers on their visa conditions.
“During one Victorian operation, officers identified an unlawful non‑citizen driving a heavy vehicle who had been in Australia unlawfully for more than 12 years,” ABF said in the statement.
“Employers also faced scrutiny, with the ABF issuing five compliance notices for employing an unlawful non-citizen or individuals with incorrect visas or work rights, and a further five employers are now under review for potential breaches, with several new investigations underway across multiple states.”
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said most transport operators did the right thing and deserved a level playing field.
“This operation targets the small minority who cut corners by exploiting workers or ignoring visa rules,” he said
“These joint operations protect workers from exploitation, protect honest businesses from unfair competition and protect the public on our roads. Exploiting migrant workers and undermining safety standards has no place in Australia’s transport industry.”
