Educating employers about migrant worker protections.

In early February, numerous businesses in Melbourne, across a diverse range of industries were inspected by both Fair Work Inspectors and the Australian Border Force (ABF) from the Department of Home Affairs.   The targeted businesses were those in Melbourne who employed sponsored visa holders under the Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) visa program.

Fair Work Inspectors actioned a compliance check on time and wage records, including pay slips and also whether workers had been provided with either the Fair Work Information Statement and the Casual Employee Information Statement.

The inspection acted as a platform to provide employers with information about migrant worker protections under the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act, which came into effect in July last year to combat the exploitation of temporary migrant workers. 

The inspection also acted as a reminder that criminal penalties under the migration laws include up to two years’ jail and/or a fine of up to $118,800.

If you need advice on Fair Work compliance, please contact HRAnywhere on 1300 208 828 or info@hranywhere.com.au.