NSW aged care provider sanctioned for migrant worker exploitation

An aged care provider located on the South Coast of New South Wales has been sanctioned by the Australian Border Force (ABF) following an investigation into the exploitation of migrant workers.

The investigation, initiated by a Border Watch report, revealed that the company had unlawfully recovered sponsorship-related costs from employees sponsored under the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa. Out of 19 sponsored workers, 13 were affected by breaches totaling $118,197. Evidence showed individual workers had been charged significant amounts, including one for $17,449 and another for $19,847 for nomination and visa application costs.

Under Australian migration laws, approved work sponsors are prohibited from transferring or shifting sponsorship-related costs onto visa holders. The provider acknowledged the breaches in April and has since repaid all affected workers in full. As an additional sanction, the ABF has imposed a six-month bar on the company, preventing it from making new sponsor nomination applications.