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IN PHOTO: Leslie Caro, a seaman bound for Australia, kisses his wife goodbye outside the International airport in Manila in this November 10, 2010 file photo. An average of more than 3,000 workers leave the country daily to work as professionals, nurses, doctors, domestic helpers, seafarers and labourers overseas. The Philippines, the world's fourth biggest recipient of remittances after India, Mexico and China, received more than $1.5 billion worth of remittances monthly from Filipinos working and living overseas. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo/Files

Asian workers in Australia's poultry industry are being tricked to file fake refugee visa applications to extend their stay in the country. Malaysian employees at a plant in Beresfield, near Newcastle, have reportedly been charged over AU$4000 by their hiring agencies to file for visa renewal and protection.

If your visa is declined, an appeal is lodged for the worker to extend his/her stay in Australia by up to 18 months. In ABC's 7.30 program, two such recent applications have been reported. A worker on the condition of anonymity said, an agent allegedly introduced a refugee visa claiming it offers a better option over visas.

The agent also encouraged getting the right to work in order to avoid paying student fees. The labour hire agency apparently told the workers attend the interview and make up some convincing stories to renew the visa so that they can continue working.

Northern NSW Meat workers Union secretary Grant Courtney called the whole process a scam. "It's a clear rort ... and clearly companies that are using these sorts of workers are very, very much aware of it," he said.

Last week, an independent statutory agency criticised Australia’s largest poultry processor, Baiada for exploiting its workers.

Following Four Corners disclosures of systematic exploitation of foreign visa holders in Australian food industry, several government-sponsored inquiries have been launched to find out the truth.

Some employees in Baiada's Beresfield plant are reportedly made to work over 18 hours a day, for just AU$11 an hour.

Employees are allegedly charged exorbitant amounts by their hiring agencies; reports also suggest at least 20 to 30 employees share a two or three bedroom house. "Honestly, I wouldn't let my dog sleep in half of them," said Mr. Courtney.

Meanwhile, the reason most foreign workers don’t come out openly to fight for their rights is because they are afraid to lose their jobs.

Contact the writer on barsha23@gmail.com

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