“Phantom” businesses have been bringing fake immigrant workers into Australia by allegedly exploiting the visa system in Tasmania, authorities say.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) said this week it uncovered had fraudulent permanent residency applications under the Employer Nomination Scheme at “numerous” Tasmanian companies in Hobart and Davenport.
During targeted inspections officers allegedly exposed “five non-existent nominated businesses, fraudulent application documents – including falsified lease agreements – and the misuse of two legitimate business credentials for bogus visa applications”, the ABF said.
ABF Commander Field Operations and Sponsor Monitoring, Ben Biddington, said this latest operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect Australia’s immigration system.
“Our officers are committed to identifying and stopping fraudulent activities. Those who attempt to exploit Australia’s visa system, through fraudulent applications and activities, will be caught,” he said.
The ABF said resources were available to help immigrant workers understand their rights and learn how to seek “legitimate professional assistance”.
“Migrants applying for visas and who are paying for immigration assistance are urged to use legal practitioners or registered migration agents, who must abide by a code of industry practice and not engage in illegal behaviour.”
The Australian government in August ordered the closure of 150 “ghost colleges” – fake schools that take fees from international students who never attend classes but work full-time instead – and sent warning notices to 140 more.
The crackdown sparked complaints from visa-scamming Indian students who complained they had lost the money they paid for the fake courses.
Commander Biddington said ABF officers would continue similar operations across the country to “protect the integrity” of Australia’s visa system.
Header image credit: Australia Border Force.
