Two Japanese women had their visas cancelled after they admitted to Australian Border Force (ABF) they intended to work illegally in the sex industry.
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The women were interviewed by ABF after their profiles were flagged as part of an anti-exploitation operation.
ABF said both women held visitors visas, without rights to work in Australia but planned to find jobs in the sex industry. One woman told ABF she intended to work in a brothel.
The women spent two days in Australia, between June 28-30, before they were removed from the country.
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ABF acting commander Vaughan Baxter said this was a deliberate attempt to enter Australia under false pretenses.
"Illegal foreign workers are extremely vulnerable and can be forced to work in the sex industry, experience severe underpayment and endure poor treatment - or all of the above," he said.
ABF's multi-agency Operation Inglenook launched in November 2022 to target criminals exploiting Australia's visa program, particularly to illegally staff the sex industry.
The operation has blocked 22 illegal entries into Australia so far, ABF said.
Operation Inglenook will "continue to target criminals who exploit foreign workers for profit", ABF said.
Those with information about the exploitation of foreign workers can contact Border Watch anonymously at borderwatch.gov.au.
Support is available for those who may be distressed:
- Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au
- Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au