Australia’s anti-slavery laws have come under fire from the UN, calling them a patchy approach to human rights. A recent report shows temporary migrant workers in Australia are facing serious exploitation from some employers, labour hire companies, and migration agents. Common issues include deceptive recruitment, unfair wage deductions, unsafe conditions, harassment, and even sexual assault. Workers in visa programs like PALM (which focuses on the agricultural sector), temporary skill shortage, working holiday, and student visas are particularly at risk, especially in sectors like agriculture, food processing, hospitality, elderly care, cleaning, and security.
For female workers, things can be even worse. A 2024 Unions New South Wales report found 53% of women experienced harassment. Many face inappropriate physical contact, suggestive comments, or intimidating staring, often from co-workers or even managers. Some women have even been coerced into abortions to keep their visas, and there have been reports of forced marriages. The fear of losing their job or risking their visa status silences 75% of these women, while 66% worry about the impact reporting could have on their migration status. To make matters worse, the lack of clear reporting options leaves many feeling isolated and unsupported.
Adding to the problem, Australia’s migration laws only make things harder. According to the Human Rights Law Centre, strict visa rules often tie workers to a single employer, creating a major power imbalance. This setup makes it difficult for workers to switch jobs or secure permanent residency, leaving them vulnerable to mistreatment. Many are afraid to even seek medical help after injuries or report issues because they fear losing their visa. Workers often live in overcrowded housing, paying outrageous rent for shared spaces. The system is built in a way that silences workers and discourages them from speaking up.
The government has tried to address these issues with the introduction of the workplace justice visa in 2024. This visa lets workers stay in Australia for 6 to 12 months, extendable up to 4 years, to take legal action against exploitative employers while being free to work anywhere.
However, a June 2025 paper on the Social Science Research Network platform shows major flaws in the design of the workplace justice visa. Applicants face delays and uncertainty due to a lack of clear timelines for certification, no appeal rights, and no bridging visa while their applications are processed, often leaving them without legal status or work rights. The visa also fails to protect workers from employer retaliation, such as termination, harassment, or deportation threats. And it does not guarantee legal aid, leaving many vulnerable during claims of wage theft, unsafe conditions, or contract breaches.
While steps are being taken to address exploitation, there’s still a long way to go. Temporary migrant workers deserve stronger protections, clearer processes, and a system that doesn’t leave them vulnerable to mistreatment at every turn.
