This report presents a summary of the findings from the Migrant Workers Centre’s research on migrant worker exploitation.
The analysis is based on 959 survey responses and 24 in-depth interviews. The Migrant Workers Centre extends its deepest gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions to this study.
This report examines trends in migrant worker exploitation from our 2023-2024 annual survey. The analysis draws on 959 survey responses and 24 in-depth interviews.
Key Findings:
- 62% of migrant workers experience at least one form of workplace abuse, including discrimination (49%), bullying (30%), and verbal abuse (28%). Racism is identified as a significant psychosocial hazard.
- 40% report underpayment, with 44% of non-pathway arrivals facing wage theft practices such as the non-payment of superannuation (22%) or lack of payslips (18%).
- 34% report workplace injury, with non-pathway arrivals facing increased pressure to work in hazardous conditions without proper training or safety measures (18%).
- Many migrant workers do not seek support, with 43% attempting wage recovery and 35% seeking workers’ compensation without consulting anyone, leading to lower success rates.
Recommendations:
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Government-backed funding to shift workplace cultures that perpetuate abuse, racism, and exploitation. This includes stronger protections within broader occupational health and safety strategies to relieve the reporting process from migrant workers.
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Capacity-building programs delivered by community organisations to empower migrant workers with knowledge of their rights, both pre- and post-arrival, with information available in multiple languages across key community settings.
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Sustainable legal assistance funding to support community legal centres and migrant worker organisations that offer tailored legal services to address the overwhelming demand for assistance with wage recovery, workplace injury claims, and more.
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Comprehensive research into workplace injuries among migrant workers, identifying barriers to accessing workers’ compensation schemes and improving protections.
