I was reading a press release from the Assistant Minister today about a crack down on illegal workers in regional NSW.

By employing people without the correct work rights, employers can commit a crime or be liable for a civil penalty. Directors can also be personally liable for penalties if the employer is a corporation. All this is set out in sections 245AA-245AP of the Migration Act.

Employers can check the visa details and work rights of non-citizens using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) tool on the DIBP website.