On 15 June 2026, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) announced the results of recent joint snap inspections of around 40 businesses across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay.

Most of the businesses inspected were in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector, with others operating in general retail, hair and beauty, and health care. All employed migrant workers. The inspections, which began on 2 June, focused heavily on areas such as Sunnybank Hills, Sunnybank and Fortitude Valley, and targeted employers of subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa holders.

Fair Work Inspectors checked time and wage records and payslips to confirm workers were being paid correctly. They also educated employees about recent workplace law changes, including the right to disconnect that commenced for small business employees in August 2025.

Why These Joint Inspections Matter

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth highlighted the particular vulnerability of migrant workers: “Workplace breaches that involve migrant workers can be particularly serious. We find they can be unaware of their workplace rights or unwilling to speak up if something seems wrong.”

She reinforced that visa holders have the same workplace rights as all other workers, and that protections exist for their visas if they report exploitation.

Australian Border Force Commander John Taylor delivered a clear message to employers: “Migrant workers play a vital role in the Queensland economy, and it’s never acceptable to exploit them… Do not exploit vulnerable workers or misuse the visa system — there is no excuse, and the consequences can be severe.”

Using a person’s immigration status to exploit them is a criminal offence, with penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment and substantial fines.

Key Focus Areas for Employers

• Correct payment of wages, penalty rates and entitlements for all workers, including visa holders
• Accurate time and wage records and payslips
• Compliance with sponsorship obligations for subclass 482 visa holders
• Awareness of recent changes such as the right to disconnect
• Understanding that the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector remains a high priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman

Practical Steps for Businesses Employing Migrant Workers

1. Regularly check that all employees (including visa holders) are paid correctly under the relevant Award or Agreement.
2. Use the free Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to confirm work rights.
3. Maintain accurate time and wage records and issue compliant payslips.
4. Educate managers and payroll staff on the rights of visa holder workers.
5. Respond promptly and cooperatively if Fair Work or Border Force officers visit.

At HR Bridge Australia, we support businesses that employ both local and visa holder workers. From Award compliance and payroll reviews to sponsorship obligations and workplace policies, we help employers meet their legal responsibilities while treating all team members fairly.

If you employ subclass 482 or other temporary visa holders, or operate in hospitality or retail, a proactive compliance check can reduce risk and provide peace of mind.