Aust. work laws tighter

Press, 7 September 1982, Page 6

Aust. work laws tighter

NZPA Canberra The Federal Government has announced tougher measures to detect an estimated 40,000 immigrants believed to be working in Australia illegally. The measures aimed to reduce the “substantial numbers” of people who had overstayed visitors’ visas and those illegally in Australia, but working without authority, said the immigration and Ethnic Affairs Minister, Mr John' Hodges,, on Monday.

The Commonwealth plans, to tighten entry controls for visitors and other temporary entrants, including stronger warnings to visitors and advising young people eligible .for working holidays about the limited job opportunities in Australia. The number of working holidaymakers will be reduced and entry conditions for certain temporary residents will be' tightened. “The Government is deter‘mined to eradicate an i'iegal work-force which takes the

jobs of Australians and genuine migrants and involves breaches of the law," Mr Hodges said. The Government believes that about 50,006 people are in Australia illegally. Of these, about 40,000 are believed to be working. The yearly detection rate for illegal immigrants is believed to be only about 1000. It is estimated that most illegal immigrants come from Europe, including Britain, the second-biggest grouping being Asians. Another area known to be

giving the Government some concern is the. number of temporary residents allowed into Australia to take upspecialised jobs or sent by overseas companies. Mr Hodge emphasised that the new measures should not be seen as a witch-hunt. He said however, that the success- of the campaign would depend on co-opera-tion from employers, unionists and the community. New Zealanders are exempt from entry conditions apart from a requirement for passports.