The Australian Border Force (ABF) has fined an automotive business in Perth’s southern suburbs $13,320 for exploiting a sponsored migrant worker.
In late 2017 the business was approved to sponsor four workers for a period of five years.
However the ABF’s Sponsor Monitoring Unit found evidence of underpayment and one individual remained working with the company after its approved sponsoring period expired.
ABF acting Superintendent Matthew Anthony said the practice of underpaying or exploiting migrant workers has no place in Australia.
“Not only does this behaviour hurt migrants, it means the mum and dad business next door who are doing the right thing can’t compete,” acting Superintendent Anthony said.
“The ABF and its partners are committed to targeting those who wish to profit from the exploitation of migrant workers.”
Throughout July, ABF officers around the country have been targeting employers of sponsored migrant workers in an operational blitz to detect, disrupt and deter exploitation, and educate migrant workers of their workplace rights.
Reports of possible migrant worker exploitation can be made at Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.
In addition to the infringement, the company has been added to the ABF’s Register of Sanctioned Sponsors and has been barred from sponsoring migrant workers for 12 months.
The sanctioned company will be referred to the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
