Verify work rights via VEVO before employment
Employers must verify visa work rights via VEVO before hiring non-citizens.
Who must comply
All Australian employers (and labour hire intermediaries).
What triggers it
Considering or employing a non-citizen.
When due
Before commencement; periodic re-checks for fixed-term visas.
Evidence required
VEVO check records, copies of visa grant notices, employer-arranged checks logs.
Max penalty
Up to 5 years imprisonment + fines; sponsor sanctions; civil penalties
Summary
Section 245AK of the Migration Act 1958 makes it an offence for an employer to allow a non-citizen to work in breach of work-related visa conditions. VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) provides real-time verification. From 1 July 2024, employer sponsor offences include strengthened protections for sponsored workers and DAMA-style accountability.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Topics
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-foreign-workers/vevo. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.