Federal govt to probe sex slavery claims

SYDNEY (AAP) - Oct 14 - The federal government is to investigate claims that women entering Australia on student visas are being forced into sex slavery.
Media reports this month have revealed details of how criminal gangs lure women to Australia and then force them into slavery in Sydney and Melbourne brothels.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has announced that his department will conduct a targeted analysis of the student visa program and any links to the sex industry.
Any evidence of human trafficking will be immediately referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Mr Bowen says his department routinely conducts compliance operations in the sex industry to ensure the owners are not employing foreign nationals working without a valid visa.
"But following particularly serious and disturbing allegations, it is only appropriate that a thorough analysis now occurs," he said in a statement on Friday.
"Allegations of illegal work and the exploitation of workers in any industry by unscrupulous employers or migration agents are taken very seriously."