Australian Border Force publicly shames businesses for exploiting migrant workers

The list includes hairdressers, restaurants, mechanics and tradespeople among other businesses.

The figure was revealed by Australian Border Force which has publicly named them on its Register of Sanctioned Sponsors.

ABF acting commander Vaughan Baxter said employers may also be referred for further investigation to ABF partner agencies, including the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Tax Office.

"The practice of underpaying or exploiting migrant workers has no place in Australia and employers who are taking advantage of their migrant workers should know that it will cost you," acting commander Baxter said.

"The underpayment and exploitation of migrant workers is a long-standing problem that can significantly impact workers as well as damage Australia's international reputation.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Migrant workers don't always have the family and networks here for help and advice when they are being treated unfairly at work," he said.

Acting commander Baxter encouraged "the reporting of worker exploitation, which can be made anonymously, as these reports can be crucial in shining the light on what is an insidious issue".

"If anyone is being exploited or is aware of someone who is being exploited in some way, you can be assured these concerns can be reported through Border Watch, regardless of your visa status," he said.

Reports of possible migrant worker exploitation can be made to Border Watch and this can be done anonymously.