Ten people were located in a compliance operation in Mildura last night as six illegal workers detained in country Victoria last week were removed from Australia.

In the Mildura operation last night, Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) compliance officers were acting on community information regarding illegal workers in the horticultural and hospitality industries.

Of the group of 10 located, four unlawful non-citizens were taken to the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Melbourne.

Two were Chinese nationals who had overstayed their visas and were working in a local restaurant. The other two illegal workers were Indian nationals, located at separate residential addresses.

Investigations into the circumstances of their employment are continuing.

Three foreign nationals – from Malaysia, China and Nepal – were granted bridging visas to make arrangements to depart Australia. The remaining three received notice of intention to cancel their visas for breaching their conditions.

“This successful result follows the removal from Australia yesterday of six illegal workers located in country Victoria only last week,” a DIAC spokesman said.

“In that operation in Sale, compliance officers also located 10 people – all Malaysian nationals. The remaining four people were issued with notices of intention to cancel their visas.”

DIAC encourages employers to check employees’ work entitlements. Employers convicted under Commonwealth legislation 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 overstayers are encouraged to call the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623.

Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch (02) 6264 2244