Officials of the newly created federal agency — which merges the frontline functions of Customs and Immigration — spoke to 48 drivers pulled over on Dandenong Rd as part of a local highway patrol operation on July 1.
Among them was a 31-year-old Indian man who was found to be working illegally. The Leader understands he was employed as a courier driver.
The man’s visa was cancelled and he was taken to the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre, pending his removal from the country.
Officials also granted a short-term bridging visa to a 30-year-old Mauritian man who was found to be living in Australia illegally.
He must report to the Immigration Department to “regularise his visa status in Australia”.
The pair’s interception came on the first official day of the new agency’s operations.
At a press conference held after his swearing in ceremony, Australian Border Force Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg said details of the agency’s “operational matters” would not be discussed publicly.
The agency will be responsible for immigration security at Australia’s air and sea ports and on its waterways, with Operation Sovereign Borders falling under its control.
The Federal Government has refused to release information about what it deems “on water matters” as part of its border protection measures.
In a written statement, an ABF spokeswoman said the agency was targeting illegal workers and their employers, imposing fines of up to $255,000 in a bid to deter the practice.
Aggravated offences can attract a prison term of up to five years, the statement said.
“It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that any foreign workers they are considering employing hold valid visas with work rights.
“Employers can easily check visas and work rights through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online tool, free of charge online.”
Source: Heraldsun
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