The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is making arrangements to remove 20 illegal workers detained after a police and immigration operation yesterday in the Brisbane suburb of Morningside.

The nine men and 11 women, all Chinese nationals, were located working at a food processing plant in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A criminal warrant was also executed at the factory by the Australian Federal Police and immigration investigators to obtain evidence relating to the workers’ employment. Investigations into the circumstances of their employment are ongoing.

“DIAC will pursue with the Director of Public Prosecutions any possible criminal prosecution related to hiring and exploitation of illegal workers,” a DIAC spokesman said.

Two of the men detained had their visas cancelled for working in breach of their visa conditions and the remainder of the group had all overstayed their visas.

“This should serve as a warning that employing illegal workers will not be tolerated and that you can literally lose your workforce overnight.”

This crackdown on illegal work follows successful targeting of labour hire rackets in the meat and agriculture industries last year. It is up to employers to ensure they only hire workers who have the legal right to work in Australia.

“All employers need to be aware it is a criminal offence to employ or refer a person for employment where that person is not entitled to work in Australia,” the spokesman said.

DIAC has an online visa entitlement verification system called VEVO that allows businesses to easily check their employee’s work entitlements, 24 hours a day seven days a week. Employers can register to use this service at www.immi.gov.au.

“Employers convicted of illegal worker offences face fines of up to $13 200 and/or two years’ imprisonment per illegal worker. Companies face fines of up to $66 000 per illegal worker.”

Information about a person living or working illegally in Australia can be reported to DIAC by phoning the dob-in line on 1800 009 623.

Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch (02) 6264 2244