Operation Nets 9 Illegals in Silverwater, Sydney
Media Release - DPS 32/2002
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) said today that nine unlawful non-citizens have been detained following a compliance operation in Silverwater in Sydney's west.
Staff from DIMIA, with the assistance of NSW Police officers, located nine men who were in Australia unlawfully.
All were located at a factory in Silverwater.
The group, who have been detained at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, comprised four men from the People's Republic of China, three men from Malaysia and two men from Tonga.
They will remain in detention while arrangements are made for their departure from Australia, as required by law.
DIMIA officers make regular visits to workplaces in many parts of Australia, such as restaurants, farms, shops, offices, factories and brothels, in an effort to detect and locate people who are in the country illegally or who are working illegally. DIMIA may also issue warning notices to employers or labour suppliers who are found to have employed illegal workers.
In 2000-01, 14,238 people were located by DIMIA. This includes people lawfully in Australia who were found working in breach of their visa conditions as well as people who were unlawfully in the country.
30 May 2002
For more information contact DIMIA Public Affairs,
02 6264 2244
(AH) 0419 442 000