Compliance crackdown on Training visa exploitation
Home Affairs is conducting a four-month national operation to crack down on fraudulent training programs and exploitation under the Training (subclass 407) visa. The operation involves inspections at over 200 workplaces across Australia.
Official source ↗The Australian Border Force has launched a national compliance operation targeting misuse of the Training (subclass 407) visa program. According to Home Affairs, the operation is focused on employers running fraudulent training programs and exploitative arrangements that undermine the visa system and exploit migrant workers.
In the first month, over 100 site visits were conducted across regional Australia in six states and territories. Inspectors found compliance concerns including employers lacking genuine training plans and trainees being placed in roles unrelated to their approved training. The broader operation will visit more than 200 workplaces across all states and territories.
Home Affairs officers will interview employers and trainees to verify that workplace-based training is genuine. The operation is being conducted with partner agencies including the Fair Work Ombudsman. Home Affairs emphasises that the Training (subclass 407) visa is for structured workplace-based training and professional development, not for ongoing employment.
Home Affairs notes that 55 per cent of Training visa applications have been refused or withdrawn in the 2025-26 financial year to 30 April 2026, reflecting increased scrutiny of applications.