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REPORTS
Listening to Every Voice: Experiences of Injured Workers Who Require Interpreters in the Workers’ Compensation Scheme
August 10, 2026
New research from the Migrant Workers Centre, the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) and WorkSafe Victoria. This research explores the experiences of injured workers who require interpreter support and...
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NEWS
Thomas's story
August 03, 2026
Thomas came to Australia from Vanuatu as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Back home, he is a farmer and he returned to Australia in 2024 to continue working on a...
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REPORTS
Exploring Unheard Voices: Migrant Workers in Home-Based Care
June 15, 2026
New research from MWC and ISCRR Migrant workers are essential to Australia’s home-care sector, but their workplace experiences are often overlooked. This research highlights the physical, psychosocial and systemic risks faced by...
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POLICY
“A little light in the darkness”: Qualitative outcomes of the Workplace Justice visa
May 12, 2026
Click here to read the policy brief The Workplace Justice Visa (WJV) was introduced in July 2024 as a pilot program following extensive advocacy from a coalition of unions, civil society organisations,...
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POLICY
Discrimination on the basis of immigration status
April 14, 2026
Click here to read the policy brief Overview ‘Immigration status’ is not a term formally defined in law, but it is commonly used to describe a person’s visa status, including whether they...
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CAMPAIGNS
How migrant women are more affected by gender-based violence at work
March 08, 2026
Discrimination, sexual harassment and wage exploitation. Our survey shows that migrant women across Victoria face higher levels of gender-based violence at work and have less access to information, protections and safe reporting...
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POLICY
Submission to the Inquiry into the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia
February 05, 2026
The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) has made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration’s Inquiry into the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia.
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POLICY
Submission to the review of the National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
February 04, 2026
The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training’s Inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards...
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POLICY
Submission to Refreshing Victoria’s Strategy for International Education
December 01, 2025
The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to inform the refresh of Victoria’s Strategy for International Education (the...
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POLICY
Submission to the Independent Review of Employee Representatives
November 25, 2025
Click here to download the full submission The MWC strongly supports and endorses the submission of the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC), particularly the range of measures proposed to enhance consultation and...
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CAMPAIGNS
What is the Workplace Justice Visa?
November 18, 2025
The Workplace Justice visa is a temporary visa that allows some temporary visa holders, or recent temporary visa holders, to stay in Australia to take legal action if they have been exploited...
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NEWS
Steven's story
November 18, 2025
Steven moved to Australia from Hong Kong to be with his wife while she studied in Sydney. After looking into different visa options and costs, the Working Holiday visa seemed like the...
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NEWS
Emilia's story
November 18, 2025
Emilia came to Australia from Chile on a working holiday visa, hoping to improve her English, save money and experience life in a new country. She arrived with limited knowledge of Australia’s...
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POLICY
Submission to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Review
October 28, 2025
Click here to download the full submission The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) welcomes the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (2023)...
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REPORTS
‘Backpacker’ Dispatches
October 23, 2025
‘Backpacker’ Dispatches: Working Holiday Stories from Australia By Lea Knopf, published by the Migrant Workers Centre Australia welcomed its first Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) in the 1970s, promoting the program as an...
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POLICY
Submission to the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
October 06, 2025
Click here to download the full submission The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the high volume of migration and refugee decisions made by the Department of...
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POLICY
In review: Australia's visa protection pilots
June 30, 2025
Click here to download the full brief Overview An increasing body of evidence has shown that migrant worker exploitation is rife in workplaces across Australia. Many migrant workers are unwilling or unable...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: MIGRANT WORKERS CENTRE WELCOMES CONTINUED STATE BUDGET SUPPORT FOR WORKPLACE JUSTICE
May 20, 2025
The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) welcomes the Allan Government’s renewed funding commitment in the 2025-26 State Budget, allowing the MWC to continue its vital work in advocating for the rights and safety...
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POLICY
Submission into the Review of the Fair Entitlements Guarantee Scheme
April 03, 2025
Addressing corporate misuse of the Fair Entitlements Guarantee discussion paper (link) Click here to download the full submission. The Fair Entitlement Guarantee (FEG) is a scheme that provides workers who lose their...
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NEWS
Jisan's story
March 17, 2025
Jisan came to Australia from Nepal, after completing his commercial cookery course, he remained in Australia on a COVID visa (subclass 408). Through a recommendation from his nephew, he secured a job...
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CAMPAIGNS
Expanding the Fair Entitlements Guarantee
March 07, 2025
What is the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG)? The Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) is a government scheme that provides financial assistance to workers who lose their job due to employer insolvency or bankruptcy....
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NEWS
Swatin's story
March 06, 2025
In 2018, Swatin came to Australia from Nepal to pursue a master’s degree, prior to this he was a software developer for 5 years. After two years as a student, he decided...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: CALL FOR URGENT REFORMS: TIME TO PROTECT ALL WORKERS UNDER THE FAIR ENTITLEMENTS GUARANTEE
March 06, 2025
The Migrant Workers Centre is calling on the Federal Government to urgently expand the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme to include temporary visa holders and unpaid superannuation.
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POLICY
Submission to the Inquiry into the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024
February 04, 2025
Submission to the Inquiry into the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024 Click here to download the full submission. Recommendation 1: That serious consideration be given to how...
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REPORTS
Visa on Arrival and Migrant Worker Exploitation
December 20, 2024
This report presents a summary of the findings from the Migrant Workers Centre’s research on migrant worker exploitation. The analysis is based on 959 survey responses and 24 in-depth interviews. The Migrant...
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NEWS
Albert’s story
October 18, 2024
In 2012, Albert came to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. However, even with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and prior experience, securing suitable employment was almost impossible. This forced him into...
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POLICY
Restricting Non-Disclosure Agreements in Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases Published
September 06, 2024
Submission to the Restricting Non-Disclosure Agreements in Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases Discussion Paper Click here to download the full submission. Recommendation 1: That the Victorian State Government implement the recommendations of the...
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REPORTS
Carrot or Stick
August 28, 2024
This study explores the challenges international students face as they navigate Australia’s complex migration and education systems, revealing how these systems often prioritise economic gains over the wellbeing and future prospects of...
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MEDIA
Media Release: New report exposes challenges faced by migrant workers in migration advice sector
June 26, 2024
Today, the Migrant Workers Centre launches its latest research report, Pathways and Pitfalls: Migrant Workers’ Experiences with the Migration Advice Sector.
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POLICY
Review of the Points Test Discussion Paper
May 28, 2024
Submission to the review of the points test discussion paper Click here to download the full submission. Recommendation 1: That the Federal Government remove and grandfather the professional year, regional study, specialist education...
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POLICY
Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill
April 15, 2024
Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024 We fully endorse the Human Rights Law Centre’s submission and strongly urge the Committee to recommend that...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE - CHANGES TO MIGRATION ACT ARE AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD
February 07, 2024
The Migrant Workers Centre welcomes the passage of amendments to the Migration Act that introduce new protections for migrant workers and stiffer penalties for employers who seek to exploit them.
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NEWS
William and Karen's story
December 13, 2023
William reached out to the Migrant Workers Centre for support. Through our industrial casework program, we were able to recover $20,000 (before tax) in compensation.
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NEWS
Min's story
December 13, 2023
A group of 5 workers have recovered $118,425.05 in stolen wages with the support of the Migrant Workers Centre after the food manufacturing business they worked for closed down without warning in...
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POLICY
Closing Loopholes Bill
October 31, 2023
Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 Click here to download the full submission. Summary of recommendations We endorse the recommendations of the Australian...
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POLICY
Draft Best Practice Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities
October 31, 2023
Submission to the Draft Best Practice Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities Click here to download the full submission. Summary of recommendations Recommendation 1: That the Australian Government establish a statutory...
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POLICY
Multicultural Framework Review
October 16, 2023
Submission to the Multicultural Framework Review: September 2023 Click here to download the full submission. Summary of recommendations Recommendation 1. That the Australian Government dedicate increased resourcing to co-design and deliver initiatives...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: MIGRANT WORKERS AND UNIONS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE WHISTLE-BLOWER PROTECTIONS TO COUNTER SYSTEMIC EXPLOITATION
August 02, 2023
The Migrant Workers Centre, Unions NSW, the Human Rights Law Centre, Immigration Advice and Rights Centre, and Migrant Justice Institute have set out the roadmap for strong and robust visa protections for...
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POLICY
Migration Amendment Bill 2023
July 26, 2023
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee: Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023 Click here to download the full submission. Summary of recommendations Recommendation 1....
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: MIGRATION REFORMS ARE A WELCOME STEP FORWARD
June 23, 2023
The Migrant Workers Centre welcomes today’s announcement that the Federal Government will introduce a range of important new visa-based protections for migrant workers who raise issues of exploitation in their workplaces.
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REPORTS
Unlocking Talent
June 22, 2023
A new MWC research report, in collaboration with Unions NSW, was created to investigate work opportunities for migrant workers. The research explored a range of topics that migrant workers experience during their...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: REINSTATE FAIR VISA PROCESSES FOR NEW ZEALANDERS IN AUSTRALIA
April 07, 2023
New policy recommendations from the MWC call for the Government to re-instate the pathway to citizenship that formerly existed between Australia and New Zealand.
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POLICY
New Zealanders and their family members in Australia
March 31, 2023
Click here to read the full report
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REPORTS
Insecure by design
March 20, 2023
A new Migrant Workers Centre report, Insecure by Design: Australia’s migration system and migrant workers’ job market experience, reveals the toll of visa discrimination on migrant workers and reiterates the indisputable link...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: WHISTLE-BLOWER PROTECTIONS FOR MIGRANT WORKERS MORE URGENT THAN EVER
February 28, 2023
The Migrant Workers Centre joins calls from 40 legal service providers, unions, ethnic community peak bodies, churches, and national organisations for whistle-blower protections for migrant workers who have faced exploitation and abuse...
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POLICY
A Comprehensive Review of Australia’s Migration System: Part 2
December 20, 2022
Click here to download the submission
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POLICY
A Comprehensive Review of Australia’s Migration System: Part 1
December 20, 2022
Click here to download the submission
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: UNJUSTIFIABLE VISA DELAYS KEEP LIVES IN LIMBO
September 30, 2022
30 September 2022 A new report by the Migrant Workers Centre, Waiting to Be Seen: Problems of Australia’s Visa Processing Delays shows Australia’s migration system has denied tens of thousands of people...
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REPORTS
Waiting to Be Seen
September 30, 2022
A new report by the Migrant Workers Centre, Waiting to Be Seen: Problems of Australia’s Visa Processing Delays shows Australia’s migration system has denied tens of thousands of people the stability and...
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NEWS
Felisia's Story
September 14, 2022
Being on a temporary visa made standing up against workplace exploitation and harassment difficult for Felisia. But joining her union empowered Felisia despite her uphill battles with an unjust visa system.
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: WE ARE PEOPLE, NOT NUMBERS. MIGRATION DISCUSSION MUST INCLUDE INCREASED MEASURES AGAINST WORKER EXPLOITATION
September 02, 2022
The Migrant Workers Centre welcomes a proposed increase in permanent migration numbers and the emerging consensus that improving pathways to permanent migration is an essential element in the nation’s economic and social...
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POLICY
Expanding the Fair Entitlement Guarantee
August 31, 2022
Submission to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations regarding the scheme of assistance established under the Fair Entitlements Guarantee Regulation 2012 Click here to download the full submission SUMMARY The FEG...
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CAMPAIGNS
Fighting for Fair Visa Processing
August 05, 2022
Get involved in our campaign and help us support migrant workers fighting for fair visa processing times. Access all of the info, materials and resources you will need to stand in...
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POLICY
Temporary Migration
April 12, 2022
SUBMISSION OF THE MIGRANT WORKERS CENTRE TO THE SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON TEMPORARY MIGRATION Click here to download the full submission SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS A PEOPLE-CENTRED TEMPORARY MIGRATION PROGRAM Recommendation 1. The...
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NEWS
Worker Story: Kamran’s long fight for justice after a workplace injury
March 24, 2022
Kamran came to the Migrant Workers Centre for assistance with an injury in early 2021. He was suffering from the ongoing debilitating effects of a physical injury he had sustained a few years...
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CAMPAIGNS
Working for $9 a Day
March 01, 2022
All workers, regardless of where they’re from, deserve to earn a living wage and work in safe conditions. But the Migrant Workers’ Centre and Unions NSW’S latest survey of more than 1300...
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REPORTS
Lives in Limbo
February 02, 2022
A new Migrant Workers Centre survey of over 700 temporary visa holders shows the urgent need for more pathways to permanent residency. The findings, which also draw upon over 50 in depth...
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POLICY
Migration Amendment Bill 2022
January 28, 2022
Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Legislation Committee) for the inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Protecting Migrant Workers) Bill 2021 [Provisions]Click here to download the full submission....
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POLICY
Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention
January 28, 2022
Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration for the inquiry into the Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2021 Click here to download the full submission Summary of recommendations 2.5....
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POLICY
2022 - 2023 Migration Program
December 09, 2021
SUBMISSION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE 2022-23 MIGRATION PROGRAM The Migrant Workers Centre submitted our Lives in Limbo research report to the Department of Home Affairs as part of...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: LIVES IN LIMBO - AUSTRALIA’S BROKEN TEMPORARY MIGRATION SYSTEM
November 29, 2021
A Migrant Workers Centre survey of over 700 temporary visa holders shows the urgent need for more pathways to permanent residency. The findings, which also draw upon over 50 in depth interviews,...
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MEDIA
MEDIA RELEASE: BIG STEP FORWARD FOR FARM WORKERS AS GUARANTEED MINIMUM WAGES ARE INTRODUCED INTO HORTICULTURE AWARD
November 04, 2021
Yesterday the Fair Work Commission handed down a decision to guarantee all workers will take home at least the minimum wage for hours worked.<sup>1</sup> The Commission found that there was “widespread non-compliance”...
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POLICY
Migration Amendment Bill 2021
August 16, 2021
Submission to the Department of Home Affairs in the Migration Amendment Bill 2021 Click here to download the full submission Summary of recommendations Recommendation 1. The DHA should encourage the Government to...
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NEWS
Abbas’ story: Racist bullying and assault by supervisor shows need for visa reform
August 11, 2021
Abbas* came to the Migrant Workers Centre for help after a physical assault by his supervisor left him hospitalised. Abbas came to Australia in 2010 from Iraq. Despite living and working here...
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