“Seven of them had overstayed their visas while the remainder were working in breach of their visa conditions. All were taken to the Adelaide Immigration Transit Accommodation pending their removal from Australia,” the spokesman said.

A German national was also detained during a joint operation in Melbourne yesterday involving the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), the Australian Federal Police and Centrelink.

The man was located over allegations he had committed fraud against Centrelink. He was taken to the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre ahead of further investigations.

As well as the Victorian operations, arrangements began in New South Wales this week for the removal of 14 illegal workers detained during an operation in the NSW mid-north coast and Hunter regions. Those detained were working illegally in restaurants and a car-washing business. While in the Top End, compliance officers located and detained 15 visa overstayers – mostly Malaysian and Chinese nationals – working illegally on a farm in Ti Tree, near Alice Springs.

“Illegal workers in Australia will not be tolerated and the department actively investigates community reports and takes swift action to apprehend non-citizens without work rights,” the spokesman said.

“It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that non-Australian workers they hire hold a visa with valid work rights.”

Employers have access to the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service, allowing them to provide relevant identification details of prospective employees, with their consent, to confirm they are eligible to work in Australia.

People with information about illegal workers or visa overstayers are encouraged to call the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623.

Media Enquiries: National Communications 02 6264 2244