ABF Cracks Down on Migrant Worker Exploitation, Detains Multiple High-Priority Targets

16 January 2026

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers from the Department of Home Affairs have detained four high-priority unlawful non-citizens for removal during a major multi-agency operation targeting migrant worker exploitation, immigration non-compliance, and criminal syndicates profiting from illegal labour.

A fifth individual was issued with a Bridging Visa with strict conditions requiring their immediate departure from Australia.

The Far North Queensland operation sends a strong and unequivocal message that Australia will not tolerate abuse of its visa system or the exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers.

Multi-Agency Operation Details

The coordinated six-day operation targeted locations across Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands, and the Cassowary Coast, with support from:

• Queensland Police

• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

• Office of Industrial Relations

Among those detained was a suspected scam migration agent and his unlawful non-citizen partner, located in Innisfail, who allegedly charged vulnerable Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers to lodge invalid Protection Visa applications— in some cases without their knowledge or consent.

ABF Field Operations and Sponsor Monitoring officers also identified labour-hire intermediaries who deliberately encouraged PALM scheme workers to abandon approved employers before exploiting them through illegal cash-in-hand arrangements and charging them to live in squalid, overcrowded accommodation, with conditions likened to modern slavery.

Enforcement Actions

ABF officers executed a pre-dawn warrant at a property in Dimbulah to locate an unlawful non-citizen alleged to be facilitating unlawful immigration assistance and trafficking illegal migrant workers to local businesses. The individual was located at the property and detained for removal from Australia.

Another individual—known to Queensland Police for allegedly using violence and coercion to funnel vulnerable migrant workers into illegal work, substandard housing, and appalling working conditions—was also detained for removal by ABF officers.

Joint agency teams conducted unannounced visits to private residences, illegal tobacco outlets, remote farms, and industrial worksites to locate offenders, safeguard exploited workers, and refer them to appropriate support services.

Official Statement

ABF Commander John Taylor said the operation formed part of a national crackdown on those exploiting vulnerable migrant workers for profit.

“Operations like this ensure Far North Queensland is not seen as a safe haven for migrant worker exploitation or visa abuse. We will not accept workers being exploited, placed in substandard housing, and then forced to pay for the privilege,” Commander Taylor said.

“Our intelligence clearly identifies where these offenders are operating, and we will continue to uncover and detain them while dismantling their criminal networks.”

“Regional communities like Mareeba and Innisfail don’t want exploitation happening in their backyard, and members of the public continue to play a critical role by reporting concerns and helping to disrupt this behaviour, particularly in the agricultural industry.”

Compliance and Reporting

Those who do the wrong thing face heavy penalties for employing or referring illegal workers or exploiting migrant workers. Potential penalties include:

• Infringements

• Civil prosecution

• Being publicly declared a ‘prohibited employer’

It has never been easier for employers to do the right thing. Businesses can check work rights through Home Affairs’ Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to ensure they do not unintentionally allow illegal work.

Anyone with information relating to potential immigration offences or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact Home Affairs and make a report online via Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.

Disengaged workers seeking to re-engage in the PALM scheme are encouraged to call the PALM scheme support service line on 1800 51 51 31 or contact their country liaison officer for guidance.