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Managing Australia's Borders

Immigration Dob-In Line

Immigration Dob-in Line: 1800 009 623

Use this toll free number to advise the department, about a person working or living illegally in Australia or an employer not meeting their sponsorship obligations under the Temporary Business 457 visa program.

Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 0830-1630 AEST (voicemail facility available out of these hours).

Alternatively, you can fax information to the department.
Fax: 1800 009 849

Information from the public provides important support to the department in its efforts to maintain the integrity of Australia's borders and immigration programs.

The department can investigate allegations about a person working or living illegally in Australia if you provide all of the following information:

  • basis of your suspicion that the person is working or living in Australia illegally
  • the name of the person
  • their age or date of birth of the person
  • their nationality
  • their address (residential or work) - or place to be located and when they are likely to be at the address
  • name of the 457 sponsor (the person/business owner)
  • the name of the 457 sponsor's business
  • the address of the business where the sponsored person (457 visa holder) is working
  • why you believe the 457 sponsor is not meeting their obligations with regards to their sponsored overseas workers
    • underpayment
    • excessive hours
    • not working in their nominated position
    • being mistreated or exploited.

Any of the following information that you can provide will also help in an investigation:

  • name of employer or the person's business address, type of business/employment and hours worked, including any rostered days off
  • date person last lived or worked at the address provided
  • gender
  • physical description of person and any distinguishing features
  • character issues
    Example: criminal history and/or violence
  • passport number
  • date of arrival and type of visa held
  • personal circumstances
    Examples:
    • living with a partner/children/parents
    • how many visa holders are living at the one address
    • does the sponsor live at the same address
    • does the sponsor rent the accommodation to the sponsored persons but does not live at the address
    • living with their sponsor and/or other sponsored persons
  • vehicle details
    Example: registration number, colour
  • any pets (especially dogs).

The department will treat any information provided by members of the public about people working or living illegally in Australia and 457 sponsors who are not meeting their obligations in the strictest confidence.

For privacy reasons, no information can be provided on the outcome or the progress of our investigation.

Further information:
Managing the Border: Immigration Compliance (Chapter 7 - Locating Unlawful Non-citizens)