"Five Malaysian men detained as ABF target foreign worker exploitation in Perth construction industry", 22 December 2020

Five Malaysian men in Perth have been detained by the Australian Border Force following their suspected involvement in a foreign worker exploitation syndicate within the construction industry.

The men — all living in Australia illegally — were arrested during a series of nation-wide Operation Battenrun raids targeting labour hire firms exploiting vulnerable foreign workers and illegal immigrants.

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ABF Commander Operations West, James Copeman, said the pandemic had not diminished the ABF’s ongoing operations to target criminals and unscrupulous individuals exploiting vulnerable foreign workers.

“We are always on the lookout for cases of foreign workers being underpaid, deprived of entitlements, and treated poorly,” he said.

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Commander Copeman said companies would be significantly fined in they employed contract workers who are illegal immigrants or foreign citizens working outside the conditions of their visas.

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The Department of Home Affairs has encouraged all employers to conduct regular checks using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system to ensure that their workers are permitted to work.

People who are being exploited, regardless of visa status, are also encouraged to come forward and provide information so action can be taken against those involved.