Illegal workers caught on NSW farms

About 40 illegal workers have been found during a pre-dawn sting at farming properties on the NSW-Victorian border.

The 28 men and 11 women from Malaysia and Indonesia are being taken to immigration detention centres in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Assistant immigration minister Michaelia Cash said on Thursday afternoon they would be deported at the earliest opportunity.

The group, who were caught on Wednesday morning on properties and worksites near Barooga, had arrived on student or visitor visas which have been cancelled.

Investigations into the worker's employers are continuing.

Further information is being sought from the immigration department.