SYDNEY, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- More Malaysians are being barred from entering Australia by authorities after it was assessed that they were attempting to enter the country to work illegally.
On Thursday, the Australian Border Force issued a statement saying that its officers had refused the entry of 11 Malaysians at the Gold Coast airport on Aug. 20 as it was believed that they would work illegally once they were allowed in. All 11 have been deported to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia since.
Assistant Commissioner Strategic Border Command Clive Murray said these successful removals further demonstrate that the ABF is alert to those who try to enter Australia to work illegally.
"This is a significant issue and ABF officers have the expertise and access to intelligence to ensure that illegal workers are stopped before they enter the country," Murray said.
"There are avenues for people who wish to come to our country to work legally; however, if you are caught trying to do so illegally you will be returned to your country of origin," he said.
These returns were in addition to the 44 illegal workers refused entry to Australia at Gold Coast and Perth Airports on July 30 for the same reason.
This is the second time in a week that a group of Malaysians are being reprimanded by the Australian immigration authorities.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Australian authorities had arrested 34 Malaysians for working illegally at a farm in Coffs Harbor, New South Wales upon receiving a tip-off.
All 34 are currently detained and are awaiting deportation.
