Thinking about working in Australia? You’ll need a valid work visa. If you are told that you can work on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), you’re being lied to.
You could be caught in visa scam if:
- the individual or agent demands upfront fees/money for an Australian visa
- you are told to get an ETA for work
- you are asked to set up a company and to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) in order to work
- the agent will only provide you with a handwritten contract or handwritten agreement
- you are promised permanent residence in Australia
- the employer or agent uses the Australian coat of arms on their website to deceive people into thinking that what they are offering is approved by the Australian Government
- you are told you will be paid in cash only
- you are told you won’t be required to get an Australian Government Tax File Number
- the employer or agent in Australia does not have an ABN
- you are offered a rate of pay below the minimum Australian wage which all foreign workers are entitled to (see www.fairwork.gov.au).
If you are aware of, or suspect a scam in relation to ETAs and working in Australia, please report it to Australia’s Border Watch by visiting www.border.gov.au/report
Source: The Department of Home Affairs