New Migrant Workers Centre in NSW Aims to Combat Exploitation of Temporary Visa Holders
Samuel's visa status made him easier to exploit. A new project hopes to help migrants like him
Sbs News
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A new Migrant Workers Centre in New South Wales, Australia, aims to support temporary visa holders facing workplace exploitation. Funded with $6.5 million, the center will offer assistance to around 2,000 vulnerable workers annually, helping them understand their rights and access necessary support services.
- 01The Migrant Justice Institute report revealed that nearly two-thirds of temporary visa holders experienced underpayment.
- 02International students in Australia are losing over $60 million in wages weekly due to exploitation.
- 03The Migrant Workers Centre is backed by $6.5 million in funding over four years.
- 04The initiative aims to support around 2,000 at-risk workers annually.
- 05Community leaders emphasize the need for legal support and awareness of workplace rights among migrant workers.
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Samuel Zuluaga, a 23-year-old migrant worker in Australia, faced exploitation in his job at a barber shop, including underpayment and denial of superannuation benefits. His experience highlights a broader issue affecting temporary visa holders, as reported by the Migrant Justice Institute, which found that nearly two-thirds of surveyed workers experienced underpayment. The report estimated that international students alone are losing more than $60 million in wages weekly. In response to these challenges, the New South Wales government has launched the Migrant Workers Centre, which will provide support to vulnerable workers facing exploitation and unsafe working conditions. With $6.5 million in funding over four years, the center aims to assist approximately 2,000 at-risk workers annually, offering culturally sensitive services to help them understand and enforce their rights. NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of the center in ensuring that migrant workers know where to seek help if they face workplace issues. Community leaders have welcomed this initiative, noting the critical role of migrant workers in the economy and the need for increased awareness of their rights.
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The Migrant Workers Centre will provide essential support to temporary visa holders, helping them understand their workplace rights and access necessary resources, thereby reducing exploitation.
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