Immigration compliance officers located seven illegal workers on two adjoining construction sites in Charlestown, Newcastle today.

Compliance officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), assisted by NSW Police, located this group following an operation at a Hurstville construction site last week where 17 illegal workers were located.

“A total of four unlawful non-citizens and a further three people working in breach of their visa conditions were detained as a result of today’s successful operation,” a departmental spokesman said. “They were all Chinese nationals."

The four unlawful non-citizens will be taken to Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, where arrangements will be made for their removal from Australia. Interviews are continuing with the other three people located.

The illegal workers located at the Charlestown sites were performing gyprocking tasks.