A new national operation is targeting compliance and oversight in training programs across the country.
CANBERRA, 26 May, 2026: The Australian Border Force has launched a nationwide operation targeting misuse of the Training (subclass 407) visa program, with more than 100 workplace inspections already carried out in regional Australia.
Led by the Department of Home Affairs’ Sponsor Monitoring Unit, the four-month operation is focused on employers using fraudulent training programs and exploitative arrangements that undermine the visa system and put migrant workers at risk.
In the first month, ABF officers conducted over 100 site visits across six states and territories. Inspections covered businesses employing trainees in Darwin, Townsville, Gayndah, the Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, the Central Coast, Goulburn, Thurgoona, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Ballarat, Yallingup, Manjimup, Canberra, and the Margaret River region.
Early findings show compliance concerns, including employers without genuine training plans and trainees placed in roles unrelated to their approved training.
ABF Commander John Taylor, Field Operations and Sponsor Monitoring, said the department has zero tolerance for the exploitation of migrants on training visas.“These visas are for genuine skills development, not for employers to misuse or underpay workers,” Taylor said.
The operation will expand to more than 200 workplaces across all states and territories, with a focus on regional locations. Using intelligence-led targeting and strengthened compliance powers, officers are interviewing employers and trainees to verify that workplace-based training arrangements are legitimate.
The crackdown is being run in collaboration with the Fair Work Ombudsman [FWO].
“This operation forms part of broader efforts across the Department to strengthen integrity within the Training [subclass 407] visa program, remove non-genuine sponsors, and support a fair go for migrant workers,” the department said.
Data shows increased scrutiny is already having an impact. In the 2025-26 financial year to 30 April 2026, 55% of Subclass 407 visa applications were either refused or withdrawn.
The department stressed that all workers in Australia are entitled to fair treatment regardless of visa status. Under the Migration Act, exploiting visa holders, including those undertaking unpaid training, is a serious criminal offence and can result in fines and imprisonment.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said protecting migrant workers remains a priority.“We know there are large numbers of potentially vulnerable workers undertaking a range of duties under these training visa arrangements, and employers must ensure these workers receive all their lawful pay and entitlements,” Booth said.
Anyone with information on potential immigration offences can report it anonymously via Border Watch on the Home Affairs website. Employers and employees can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman at www.fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94 for free advice. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
Australia’s Subclass 407 Training visa is for structured workplace-based training and professional development, not for ongoing employment.
