Seven people who were in Australia unlawfully were detained when Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) officers in Adelaide conducted an operation overnight.

Two search warrants were executed at two residential properties in the north and west of the city.

A departmental spokesman said the seven men – five Malaysians and two Chinese nationals – are now in immigration detention in Adelaide and Melbourne.

“Some of the men have indicated a willingness to depart Australia voluntarily and the department will work with all of them to resolve their immigration status,” the spokesman said.

The operation was launched following information received from the community that people unlawfully in Australia were also working without the legal right to do so. It is believed these seven people were working illegally in the construction industry. Investigations continue into the circumstances of their employment.

The spokesman urged any person who did not have the lawful right to remain in Australia to resolve their status with the department as soon as possible.

“People from overseas also must hold a visa permitted them to work, otherwise it is unlawful to do so,” he said.

“It is also unlawful for an employer to employ people without such a visa.

“The department’s compliance operations serve as a warning that people can face serious consequences for remaining in Australia without a valid visa or for employing illegal workers.”

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.

People with information about illegal workers or visa over-stayers should call the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623.

Media Enquiries: National Communications 08 7421 7673 or 0401 458 333