Valley raids net illegal workers

THE Lockyer Valley has been identified as a hot spot for illegal workers after 12 men were detained by the Department of Immigration.

The men, 11 of whom had overstayed their visas and another is suspected of working illegally, were detained on Wednesday and yesterday by a joint immigration compliance team and police roadside operation near Gatton.

The men are believed to have been working illegally on farms in the Lockyer Valley area.

They were from a number of countries including India and Indonesia.

A department of Immigration spokesman said the Lockyer Valley was an area of interest for the department due to the high number of temporary workers.

"It is an area that gets looked at more than others," he said.

"We're informed by information and tip-offs we get and by Queensland police.

"We're conducting these all across the state all throughout the year."

The spokesman said most of the men were now being detained in Brisbane to be deported.

"We have detained nine of the men in Brisbane, pending their planned removal to their home countries," he said.

"In relation to the other three people, one has been granted a bridging visa on departure grounds, another has been granted a bridging visa and can now make an application for a substantive visa, and the other, who is a lawful visa holder, has been counselled regarding his visa conditions and illegal work."

The spokesman said the department would be issuing illegal worker warning notices to relevant work contractors or farm owners in Gatton.

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