Push for Visa Changes to Protect Australian Migrant Workers from Exploitation

Workers wear face masks as they set up displays at a local fruit and vegetable market in Sydney, Australia, on July 9, 2021. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

A national coalition of unions, lawyers, and human rights groups has called on the Australian government to change the current visa system to tackle exploitation and unfair practices against migrant workers.

The coalition released a new report (pdf) detailing stories of migrant workers who were mistreated because of a lack of protection under Australia’s migration system while highlighting how employers could exploit workers on temporary visas.