Foreign Uber drivers using others’ accounts to flout visa conditions
Foreigners are using other people’s ride-share employee accounts to drive passengers across Melbourne without being caught flouting visa conditions, sparking safety concerns. Several cunning cabbies were caught in a recent blitz — and there’s more to come.
Inner East
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Ride share drivers are using other people’s accounts to avoid being caught flouting visa working conditions, sparking fears about passenger safety.
The Stonnington Leader found dozens of Gumtree advertisements from owners offering to hire out their cars for rideshare purposes.
One advert states: “Hire this Toyota Camry for $295 per week. It’s mechanically sound and registered on Uber and Ola. All you have to do is to hire it and drive.”
Another states: “Hire a bike for rent only for $120 a week. You’ll be getting warm jacket, a delivery bag, phone holder and helmet for free. We provide insurance as well. Good for Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Menulog or for personal use.”
Stonnington police recently held Operation Badger with Australian Border Force on Chapel St, which targeted road users including food delivery drivers — and slapped them with 39 offences.
Three people were also to be found to be working while on holiday visas, flouting their visa conditions.
Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Schlittler said police checked hundreds of drivers, with a small number of them using accounts in different names to their own.
“This is obviously to hide the fact they are working against their visa conditions,” Sen-Sgt Schlittler said.
“We aim to ensure people are not been exploited.”
Sen-Sgt Schlittler said using another person’s account also created tax, insurance and accountability issues for delivery companies.
He said the police operation would be conducted again to “ensure road users are being safe and responsible”.
Swinburne University digital media expert Dr Belinda Barnet said using other colleague’s accounts raised all types of issues — including the raised safety risk for passengers.
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“Drivers are in danger of working too many hours and not being paid enough because there’s no way to police it without a digital record,” Dr Barnet said.
“If you’re wanting to report an incident as a passenger — you’re reporting someone that may not exist or someone who’s not actually the driver.”
Chapel Street Precinct Association general manager Chrissie Maus said safety was always the first priority for traders and patrons.
“It’s disappointing traders and consumers are getting this service as a premium and their safety is being compromised,” Ms Maus said.