A joint enforcement operation across Far North Queensland has exposed unlawful migration, alleged worker exploitation, and unsafe housing conditions, with Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identifying 12 non-citizens without valid visas during a four-day crackdown.
The operation took place in Innisfail, Mareeba, Atherton and Dimbulah and involved the ABF, Queensland Police Service, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and WorkCover Queensland. Officials conducted 180 immigration checks and flagged 25 individuals for further assessment.
Six unlawful non-citizens were detained and are expected to be removed from Australia, while another six were issued bridging visas with strict conditions requiring them to either leave the country or apply for a valid visa within a set timeframe.
Investigators also uncovered alleged migrant worker exploitation, including unlawful workers living and working at a tobacco store and another property where 13 people were reportedly housed in overcrowded and unsafe conditions.
Information from the operation led to action against a previously identified tobacco store, which was referred to the ABF’s illicit tobacco taskforce and later shut down by Queensland Health. Investigations into the businesses are ongoing as authorities look into possible links to organised crime in the illegal tobacco trade.
Four disengaged workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme were also identified and referred for support to help them re-engage with the program.
ABF Commander John Taylor said the operation highlighted the government’s focus on protecting migrant workers and enforcing immigration laws.
Officials warned that non-citizens without valid visas must leave Australia or face detention and removal, and stressed that employers breaching migration laws could face heavy penalties, including fines and prosecution.
The operation is part of a wider series of compliance actions across Far North Queensland targeting visa fraud, illegal employment, and worker exploitation.