fb

Hospitality industry crackdown targets migrant worker abuse under tough new rules

More than 50 surprise inspections have uncovered suspected migrant worker exploitation at over 30 workplaces, Superintendent Jason Boyd revealed.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has launched one of its largest ever national crackdowns on the exploitation and abuse of migrant workers in the hospitality industry.

Led by the Department of Home Affairs’ Sponsor Monitoring Unit (SMU), the six-month operation spans every state and territory, targeting more than 100 hospitality venues — including many in regional areas not previously visited by compliance teams.

Armed with new legal powers and working alongside the Fair Work Ombudsman, SMU officers are inspecting workplaces and meeting with both employers and migrant workers to investigate breaches of sponsorship arrangements.

- Advertisement -

SMU National Superintendent Jason Boyd said more than 50 unannounced inspections have already taken place, with over 30 employers under investigation for suspected exploitation — including cases of underpayment, illegal wage deductions and workers being forced to work excessive hours.

“A special focus of our operation is ensuring employers are not financially abusing migrant workers by charging back the costs of their sponsorship,” Superintendent Boyd said.

“Migrant workers have the same rights and protections as Australian citizens, and we are sending an abundantly clear message: Australia will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable workers or abuse of the visa system.”

The crackdown is being powered by new rules and harsher penalties introduced on 1 July 2024, designed to deter employers from using a person’s immigration status to exploit them.

Employers found breaking the law face severe consequences, including civil prosecution, fines, and being publicly named as ‘prohibited employers’.

Boyd said this operation represents a major step forward in protecting migrant workers and ensuring compliance.

“These new powers give us an enhanced range of options to deal with those doing the wrong thing,” he said.

“Employers using foreign workers must comply with both Australian workplace and immigration laws.”

- Advertisement -

Support our Journalism

No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.

,