Fed: New penalties for employing workers without a valid visa

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2007
Fed: New penalties for employing workers without a valid visa

CANBERRA, Aug 18 AAP - The federal government will crack down on employers who use
illegal workers under new laws that take effect from tomorrow.

Under the laws it will be a criminal offence to employ a person who is either illegally
in Australia or is working in breach of their visa conditions.

The new laws will apply to any person or company that employs or refers illegal workers to work.

Minster for Immigration and Citizenship Kevin Andrews said people convicted will face
fines of up to $13,200 and two years' imprisonment and companies will face fines of up
to $66,000 per illegal worker with higher penalties for cases of exploitation, such as
slavery, forced labour or sexual servitude.

"The Coalition government is committed to helping Australian employers find eligible
and legal workers from overseas," Mr Andrews said in a statement today.

"However, this commitment comes with an obligation to enforce our laws where we detect
abuse of immigration arrangements."

AAP sld/apm/mn

KEYWORD: VISA

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