Designed by Freepik
With the Immigration Department handing out 22-month jail terms this week, the message to HR and Mobility leaders is clear: vicarious liability is no longer a theoretical risk.
Why the 2026 Crackdown Matters:
- Zero Tolerance for "Casual" Mistakes: Whether it is a third-party contractor or a seasonal warehouse worker, the onus of checking the original identity documents and verifying recognisance status lies with the hiring firm.
- Personal Liability for Managers: The High Court has set guidelines for immediate custodial sentences for offending employers. If you manage a team or a facility, you are personally in the line of fire for your subordinates' hiring choices.
- The Lunar New Year Surge: Enforcement is currently at a peak. If you are scaling up for the holiday season, you must audit your entire supply chain today.
Action for HR:
Conduct a "Flash Audit" of any third-party labor providers you use. Demand proof of their right-to-work verification process. In 2026, saying "I didn't know they were illegal" is not a valid legal defense.