‘Use official channel to obtain Aussie visas’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have been advised to deal only through reputable and official channels when seeking Australian visas.

This is to avoid falling victim to visa fraud and scams.

In a statement yesterday, the Australian High Commission appealed to Malaysians to understand what their visa or electronic travel authority (ETA) allowed them to do while in the country.

“Recently, a number of visa scams have emerged in Malaysia.

“These scams may take the form of agents offering visas and flights to Australia for people to work illegally.

“These scams are deliberate attempts to mislead people into breaking Australian laws, for money or other personal gain,” it said.

The statement added that the government was concerned that many Malaysians were being taken advantage of by these scammers.

ETAs, according to the statement, do not provide work rights in Australia and it is illegal for ETA holders to work in the country. “If they work in Australia in breach of their visa conditions, they may be detained and removed from the country and be subject to a three-year exclusion period.”

The statement said the Australian government took strong action to eliminate organised criminal networks and unscrupulous employers and agents seeking to profit from exploiting vulnerable migrant workers.

This action includes the establishment of Taskforce Cadena last year and the Migrant Workers Taskforce this year.

The Migrant Workers Taskforce has been introduced to provide expert advice on measures that will deliver better protection for overseas workers.

This included increasing penalties for employers who underpay migrant workers and who fail to keep proper employment records.

Malaysians are also urged to inform the Australian High Comission in Kuala Lumpur if they are aware of, or suspect a scam related to Australian visas.

They can do so by emailing to visakl@dfat.gov.au. – Bernama