Two Brisbane restaurant proprietors—both Australian permanent residents aged 39 and 40—were arrested on 7 November after an AFP Human Trafficking Team (HTT) investigation alleged they forced a migrant worker to perform non-contracted duties and repay an inflated A$60,000 ‘sponsorship fee’. The women face charges of forced labour under section 270.6A(1) and debt bondage under section 270.7C of the Criminal Code, which carry maximum penalties of 12 years and seven years respectively.
The probe began in April 2024 when the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) alerted federal police to suspected exploitation at the offenders’ Manly West eatery. Search warrants executed in August 2025 uncovered documents indicating threats that the worker’s subclass 482 visa would be cancelled unless she complied with excessive hours and domestic chores unrelated to her job.
![Brisbane restaurant owners charged with forced-labour and debt-bondage offences linked to visa sponsorship]()
Authorities emphasised that only the Department of Home Affairs—not an employer—can cancel a visa, urging temporary migrants to report abuse without fear of losing status. FWO and the AFP are cooperating to pursue asset-recovery orders that could compensate the victim and deter future offenders.
For global mobility teams, the case illustrates the legal and reputational risks when third-party partners misuse Australia’s employer-sponsored visa pathways. Companies should audit supply-chain labour practices and ensure whistle-blower channels are accessible to all migrant staff.
The probe began in April 2024 when the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) alerted federal police to suspected exploitation at the offenders’ Manly West eatery. Search warrants executed in August 2025 uncovered documents indicating threats that the worker’s subclass 482 visa would be cancelled unless she complied with excessive hours and domestic chores unrelated to her job.
Authorities emphasised that only the Department of Home Affairs—not an employer—can cancel a visa, urging temporary migrants to report abuse without fear of losing status. FWO and the AFP are cooperating to pursue asset-recovery orders that could compensate the victim and deter future offenders.
For global mobility teams, the case illustrates the legal and reputational risks when third-party partners misuse Australia’s employer-sponsored visa pathways. Companies should audit supply-chain labour practices and ensure whistle-blower channels are accessible to all migrant staff.
