Information for Employers
Do you employ or are you considering employing staff that may require a visa to work in Australia?
People without valid working visas: penalties for employers
It is a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly allow an illegal worker to work, or to refer an illegal worker for work.
Individuals and companies convicted of these offences face fines and/or imprisonment.
The safest way to avoid committing the offences is to check that all prospective workers have a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Checking is easy
To check that a person has a valid visa to work in Australia visit the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) for Organisations webpage at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website or use the Visa Entitlement Verification Faxback service on 1800 505 550.
For more information visit http://www.immi.gov.au/managing-australias-borders/compliance/employer-obligations/index.htm or call the Employers’ Immigration hotline on 1800 040 070.
