Australian Border Force cancel truckies’ visas in nationwide crackdown
Border force officers have uncovered illegal drivers, revoked visas and launched new investigations into trucking companies as part of a nationwide compliance blitz, amid warnings that labor shortages are fueling risky migration routes into the industry.
The week-long operation, carried out by the Australian Border Force and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, combed roads in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. More than 200 trucks were pulled over for roadside checks targeting visa violations, worker abuse and security risks.
The timing of the crackdown, as freight volumes rise ahead of Easter, highlights growing concern in the federal government about the risks posed by illegal drivers and fatigued operators on the country’s busiest roads.
Violations at the driver and employer levels alike have emerged as organizations step up enforcement in industries that are heavily reliant on immigrant labor.
ABF officers canceled three student visas after finding breaches of working conditions and issued a further three notices flagging potential cancellations. Nine drivers were formally advised on their visa obligations.
Officers in Victoria stopped a HGV driver who had been living and working illegally in Australia for more than 12 years, revealing what authorities say are fundamental gaps in compliance.
The joint operation reflects growing concern about the intersection of migrant worker exploitation and road safety. In long-distance transport, cost pressures and tight delivery windows can lead to risky behavior.
Pressures on the sector are intensifying: with road transport demand expected to grow by 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050, Australia currently has a shortage of more than 26,000 drivers. The International Road Transport Association’s forecasts for 2024 put the gap at closer to 28,000 as aging drivers retire and fewer younger Australians enter the industry.
This shortage has led to aggressive recruitment of overseas drivers, especially from India. Immigration agents promoted Australia as a land of opportunity and highlighted expanded visa pathways in regional areas.
Census data shows that Indian immigrants are among the fastest-growing groups and are helping fill chronic workforce gaps in the transportation industry.
Under strengthened federal laws, employers found exploiting immigrant workers face up to two years in prison and significant fines.
In detailed safety checks, NHVR inspectors reviewed work logs, fatigue management practices, mechanical standards, permits and load security; The main factors in preventing accidents, especially during busy holiday periods when freight and passenger traffic intersect.
Employers were also caught in this screening. Five businesses were found to employ illegal workers who were not citizens or did not have the correct visas, and five other businesses were found to be under investigation for potential violations. New investigations have been launched in many states.
ABF commander John Taylor said officers would continue to carry out random roadside checks on major freight routes and regional corridors.
“You will never know where these actions will occur and when they will occur,” he said. “If you want to exploit visa environments or employees, expect to be detected and dealt with.”
Deputy Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said the operation was aimed at protecting legal operators and vulnerable workers.
“Most transport operators are doing the right thing and they deserve a level playing field,” he said. “This operation targets a small minority of people who cut corners by exploiting workers or ignoring visa rules.”
NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati said the compliance effort was critical to maintaining safety in an industry that supports national supply chains, especially during periods of high demand such as Easter.
Further joint checkpoints, mobile patrols and surveillance operations are planned in the coming months. Authorities herald that enforcement efforts to eliminate illegal practices in the transportation sector will continue.
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Rob Harris is a national correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, based in Canberra. He is a former European correspondent.Connect via email.
