On 1 July, new laws came into effect to protect migrant workers from exploitation.
Australian businesses and the broader community benefit greatly from migrants’ skills and experience. Most employers want to do the right thing by their workers, so the new laws will help create a level playing field for these businesses.
Under the new Strengthening Employer Compliance Act, it's an offence to use a person's migration status to exploit them in the workplace. This makes it harder for dishonest employers to take advantage of migrant workers.
These laws cover a range of situations where exploitation can happen. This includes when an employer deliberately underpays a worker or pressures them into:
- giving up their passport
- accepting inadequate living conditions, including housing and food
- taking part in unwanted sexual acts
- breaching their work-related visa conditions.
Report migrant worker exploitation early to the Fair Work OmbudsmanExternal Link or Border WatchExternal Link.
Find out more
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website to find out more about:
- the new migrant worker lawsExternal Link
- visa pathway optionsExternal Link to help you fill vacant positions where Australian workers are unavailable
- employing overseas workersExternal Link and your responsibilities as an employer.