Migrant Worker Support

A migrant worker is a person who moves to another country, either temporarily or permanently, to work. In Australia, this includes people on working visas, seasonal and agricultural workers, international students with work rights, and people on temporary skilled or sponsored visas. Migrant workers make a significant contribution to regional economies, including here on the Mid North Coast.

Your rights as a migrant worker in Australia

Visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace entitlements and protections as all other employees in Australia, regardless of their migration status. Fair Work Ombudsman These rights include:

  • The right to a minimum wage and fair pay conditions
  • The right to a safe workplace: work health and safety laws protect all workers, no matter how they are employed or their visa status Safe Work Australia
  • The right to be free from discrimination, harassment, and exploitation
  • Freedom from forced labour: it is a crime in Australia to make a person undertake forced labour, to keep someone in forced labour or to conduct a business that involves forced labour Australian Human Rights Commission
  • Freedom from reprisals: it is against the law for a worker to be punished or disadvantaged for exercising their workplace rights, including the right to make a complaint about discrimination at work Australian Human Rights Commission
  • The right to keep your passport: your employer can check your passport, but cannot take it from you Fair Work Ombudsman
  • The right to take action against workplace exploitation without losing your visa Migrantjustice

Source: Fair Work Ombudsman | Australian Human Rights Commission | Department of Home Affairs

If you need support, the following organisations can help.

NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner

The NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne, works to promote anti-slavery action, support survivors, and raise community awareness about modern slavery in NSW.

NSW Police: 131 444 Crimestoppers: 1800 333 000 or report online Australian Federal Police (AFP): 131 237 or afp.gov.au/report-crime Child Protection Helpline: 132 111

Australian Red Cross

Assistance for victims of human trafficking, slavery, forced marriage, and forced labour.

Anti-Slavery Australia (ASA)

Free legal advice and support for people affected by modern slavery and trafficking.

The Salvation Army

Freedom Hub — Survivor Support

Unions NSW — Migrant Worker Support

Free and confidential support for migrant workers experiencing workplace issues.

Project Respect

Support for women in the sex industry experiencing exploitation.