DIAC spokesman Sandi Logan said the department was pleased that many members of the industry have already signed up for the department's internet and fax-back services.

"The Visa Entitlement Verification Online, or VEVO, service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mr Logan said.

"By registering to use VEVO at www.immi.gov.au/vevo, you can make sure a potential driver is entitled to work in Australia in a matter of seconds."

Those who prefer not to use the internet can use the department's faxback service by phoning 1800 040 070 for more information, or by downloading a faxback form at www.immi.gov.au/vevo.

"Checking work entitlements makes good business sense. The last thing a business owner wants is to lose a worker because they do not have a valid visa to work in Australia," Mr Logan said.

Illegal work in Australia

The Australian Government combats illegal work in Australia because it can create a number of problems. For example, Australian citizens and permanent residents may be denied the opportunity to obtain a job, illegal workers may be subject to exploitation and criminal activity and businesses which do the right thing and employ legal workers may not be able to compete with the lower overheads of those who employ and under pay illegal workers.

"It is a criminal offence under the Migration Act to knowingly or recklessly allow an illegal worker to work in Australia," Mr Logan said.

People convicted of these offences could face fines of up to $13 200 and two years imprisonment for each illegal worker hired. Companies face fines of up to $66 000 per illegal worker. Businesses may also come under the scrutiny of other government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office and Centrelink that work with DIAC to reduce the incidence of illegal work.

DIAC takes all reports of people working illegally made to our dob-in line (1800 009 623) seriously.

"As cancelling a person's visa and removing them from Australia can have serious consequences both for the individual and the company that hires them, the department substantiates any allegations before it takes action," Mr Logan said.

Student visa holders

Many student visa holders look for work in the taxi industry. They are entitled to work, but with limitations. While their course is in session, student visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week. During course breaks, they can work full-time.

Students found to be working more than their allowed hours are subject to compliance action by DIAC. Ultimately, their visas may be cancelled and they may be required to leave Australia.

Checking Australian citizenship

Australian citizens are of course entitled to work in Australia, but as they aren't visa holders, their entitlements cannot be checked using VEVO.

To confirm an Australian citizen?s entitlement to work, you need to see an original of any one of the following documents:

- an Australian passport
- a citizenship certificate
- a certificate of evidence of Australian citizenship or
- a full Australian birth certificate for a person born before 20 August 1986. For job applicants born after 20 August 1986, a full birth certificate should show at least one parent was born in Australia. Where neither parent was born in Australia, the job applicant should be referred to any DIAC office to obtain the necessary evidence.

For more information

For more information about VEVO, the faxback service, or the provisions affecting employers in the Migration Act, phone the Employers? Immigration Hotline on 1800 040 070 between 8.30am-4.30pm (AEST), Monday to Friday. Information is also available at www.immi.gov.au/employer-obligations.