2024 was a milestone year for migrant worker rights in Australia. In August, the Federal Government launched the Workplace Justice Visa (WJV)—a long-overdue initiative allowing migrant workers on temporary visas to extend their stay while pursuing workplace exploitation claims. The Migrant Workers Centre is one of just 18 organisations nationwide (and one of only three legal centres) authorised to certify WJV applications. So far, we’ve already certified nine applications, ensuring that exploited workers have a pathway to justice.
The impact of our work has been further validated by our latest Social Return on Investment (SROI) report. The findings are clear: for every $1 invested in the Migrant Workers Centre, we generate $3.10 in social and economic value.
Looking ahead, we’re expanding our impact even further. In 2025, following the launch of our own Community Legal Centre and growing our legal team—we are committed to supporting and empowering more migrant workers across Victoria.
Results of a research partnership with the Migrant Justice Institute will be reported later this year. Reports will draw upon a major national survey with over 10,000 responses on wage theft, modern slavery, workplace safety, and employer-sponsored accommodation. The findings will be published in 2025—stay tuned.
For the first time, the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) commissioned Social Ventures Australia (SVA) to conduct a Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation of our work. The results are clear: for every $1 invested in MWC, we generate $3.10 in social and economic value. This report reinforces the critical role we play in supporting migrant workers and driving systemic change.
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Insights |
Key findings |
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MWC is unique in Australia |
7,633 community members attended free Know Your Rights and Work Rights Clinic sessions, gaining vital knowledge about workplace rights and protections. |
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Language matters We provided support in over 50 languages, ensuring accessibility and quality assistance for migrant workers. |
536 migrant workers directly supported through casework learned about their workplace rights and how to advocate for themselves. |
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Filling a critical gap Our casework helps migrants navigate wage theft, injury claims, workplace bullying, and termination—services that are often inaccessible elsewhere. |
364 migrant workers reported improved mental health, with 60% saying MWC’s support reduced their stress during vulnerable times. |
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Collective action drives change We use our casework insights to push for stronger policies and systemic reforms in partnership with unions, legal organisations, and advocacy groups. |
$810,000 in unpaid wages and benefits recovered—with individual recoveries ranging from $300 to $115,000. |
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Lived experience is key Our team comes from migrant communities, giving us deep insight into the challenges workers face and the best ways to support them. |
$220,000 in unpaid injury compensation recovered—with amounts ranging from $500 to $56,000. |
Read the Social Return on Investment report
When businesses collapse, Australian workers have a safety net. Migrant workers don’t.
Right now, temporary visa holders are locked out of the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG)—the government scheme that ensures workers get their unpaid wages, redundancy, and leave entitlements when employers go bust.
🚨 This isn’t just unfair—it’s exploitation. Shady employers game the system, shutting down businesses to dodge paying workers. The result? Migrant workers lose everything.
We call on the Australian Government to take action and:
- Extend FEG to all workers—no exceptions.
- Include unpaid superannuation in the scheme.
- Close the loopholes that let dodgy bosses walk away.
- Guarantee workers can recover wages and entitlements, even if their employer disappears.
Sign the petition
Next month, we’re joining WRAW Fest 2025 to Stand Up and Fight Back with a powerful lineup of events celebrating women’s rights at work! This is a chance to come together, rally for change, and hear from the women leading the fight for fairer workplaces.
📚 Women’s Voices from the Revolution – Book Launch
📅 Tuesday, 4 March | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍 Trades Hall
Join APHEDA and ALTSEAN for the launch of Women’s Voices from the Revolution, sharing powerful stories of resistance and activism.
✊ International Women’s Day Rally
📅 Thursday, 6 March | ⏰ 5:30 PM | 📍 State Library of Victoria
Take to the streets to demand action on gender equality and workplace rights.
💻 How We’re Ending Gendered Violence at Work (Online)
📅 Monday, 25 March | ⏰ 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Our Principal Lawyer, Elyane, will be speaking at this important discussion on tackling gendered violence at work.
💻 Working Women United – Organising Together for Change (Online)
📅 Wednesday, 27 March | ⏰ 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Join this event to hear from the Transport Workers Union on gig worker reforms and learn how women across industries are organising for change.
Check out the full program
Our new and improved Know your Rights training session
We're excited to launch our expanded Know Your Rights sessions, available for community groups, education institutions, and migrant support programs.
These free sessions can be delivered in person or online and are now offered in English, Simple English, Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, Hindi, and Spanish.
Our new modular format lets you mix and match topics to suit your needs including:
✔ Employment law – understanding contracts, rights at work, and protections
✔ Pay and entitlements – minimum wage, penalty rates, and superannuation
✔ OH&S and Workplace injuries – staying safe at work and knowing your rights if you’re injured
✔ Unfair treatment – discrimination, unfair dismissal, and workplace bullying
Want to book a session or learn more? Email us at mwc@migrantworkers.org.au.
Upcoming events
PACE Launchpad: Redefining Leadership
Thursday 27 February
10AM – 1PM
Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria
The event focuses on strengthening connections within the PACE network and fostering relationships with key community and sector stakeholders. Alba Kouri, Program Organiser at the MWC, will be one of joining the panellist discussion, sharing their positive community impacts, and tips on achieving advocacy and employment goals.
O-Week events
Holmesglen
Moorabin: Monday 24 February
Melbourne University
Parkville: Monday 24 February
Melbourne Polytechnic
Preston: Tuesday 25 February
Epping: Wednesday 26 February
Fairfield: Tuesday 4 March
Collingwood: Wednesday 5 March
Prahran: Thursday 6 March
La Trobe
Bundoora: Thursday 27 February
Monash
Clayton: Thursday 27 February
With your donation, we can expand our reach and continue delivering essential services to migrant workers across Victoria and beyond.
Here's how your contribution will make an impact:
Expand Know your Rights sessions
Your donation will help us take our free, in-language sessions to regional Victoria, ensuring migrant workers in all corners of the state have access to vital information about their rights at work.
Support our Research and Policy team
This will allow us to amplify our advocacy for stronger migrant worker rights and drive change at a national level.
Strengthen our legal support
For migrant workers across Australia, making a lasting impact on their lives and their rights at work.
Become a monthly donor
Join our community of regular supporters and enjoy exclusive content and a free MWC sticker pack as a thank you for your commitment to supporting migrant workers.
Donate today
Our quarterly newsletter is designed to keep you informed with the latest research and upcoming webinars surrounding migrant worker rights and workplace safety.
