Since re-opening our doors in January, the team have hit the ground running; our Legal Service are committed to supporting migrant workers across the state understand and enforce their rights. The expansion of our team ensures we can support a wider net of workers who due to the precarious nature of industries like Hospitality, Agriculture and Construction, slip into the shadows of exploitation.

Our Research and Policy team have also started the year strong by publishing a range of submissions that focus on Victoria’s strategy for International Education and the value of Skilled Migration to Australia.

Our team are out and about at University O-weeks, educating international students about their rights, all across Victoria. Our ‘Work Ready’ program, focusing on career-ready support, information relating to work rights exploitation and a monthly law clinic that students can access with our Employment lawyers, is back for another big year.

The Migrant Workers Centre has been instrumental in advocating and enforcing the Workplace Justice Visa, a Visa Protections pilot allowing temporary workers to extend their stay to take legal action against their employer. You can access our in-language resources below.

We would like to thank you for your continued support and solidarity with the migrant worker movement, and we look forward to sharing our highlights in 2026 as we continue our mission: fighting for equal workplace rights, fair visa processes and an end to migrant worker exploitation in Australia.

Legal service

The Migrant Workers Centre have a dedicated legal team, available on Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9AM – 5PM who can provide free legal help to workers who have experienced exploitation, mistreatment, disadvantage or unfairness in the workplace.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for our service, you must:

• Live or work in Victoria
• Have been born overseas
• Have a question or issue about your rights at work

Learn more here

Migrant Workers Centre Annual Report 2024-2025

The last financial year was a significant time for the centre; during this time, we were able to provide:

• 119 workers information and referral services and;
• 50 workers legal advice and support
• 119 Know your Rights sessions, delivered by ambassadors and staff to over 2,400 attendees
• 44 outreach and engagement events across Victoria with over 11,000 attendees and;
• 10 capacity building sessions covering a range of work-related topics to over 200 attendees

Since our launch, we have recovered over $2.29M in wages and entitlements.

We published 2 research reports and 3 policy submission addressing migrant exploitation and recommendations on how to address this, we also hosted 3 research-related webinars with 143 participants.

Read our 2024-2025 Annual Report here

Sukhmanpreet's story

“This [Workplace Justice Visa] helps me because gives me stay to live in Australia and get the treatment and after that, I can take a legal action against my employer.”

“When they [employer] realised I wasn’t going anywhere, they changed everything, they tried to help me as much as possible.”

Watch the story here

Understanding Visa Protections

New visa protection resources are now available on the Migrant Workers Centre website to help migrant workers understand their rights and what to do if they've been exploited at work.

They cover the Workplace Justice visa and Strengthening Reporting Protections, the VEVO portal, how to report issues at work and more.

In-language resources available here

If you would like printed versions of our resources, get in touch with Communications Manager, Omar Ghazala

Work Ready

Work Ready is a project designed to support international students to feel safe, confident and informed in the workplace. International students often work in industries where they face higher chances of workplace exploitation; common examples include underpayment, bullying and unpaid trials.

The project aims to educate newly arrived students on their work rights and entitlements while they’re in Australia, it also provides one-on-one job coaching and support.

February

Resume Checking and Mock Interview Night with WEstjustice

March

Workplace Rights Panel discussion with Employment Lawyers, Unleash seek.com.au power

April

Thrive as an International Student: Looking after your wellbeing during exams with Partners in Wellbeing

Stay tuned for dates and event registration on our social media

Upcoming events

“After our sessions, students feel more confident applying for jobs and relieved to have personalised guidance that recognises their individual experiences. My hope is that every student walks away knowing their rights and how to present themselves with confidence.”

Andres, International Student Support Worker

Workplace legal advice for international students

Up to 60-minute one-to-one sessions free of charge.

How can our Law Clinic Employment Lawyer help?

If you have been exploited at work, our Employment Lawyer can provide legal advice for free.

Step 1: Collect documents that you think are relevant

Step 2: Go to Study Melbourne Hub on the dates and times listed below

Step 3: Chat with our Employment Lawyer about your workplace issues

Location: Study Melbourne Hub, 7 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Advice delivered in English; interpreters can be arranged if required.

Learn more and upcoming dates here

Know your Rights at work sessions

The Migrant Workers Centre delivers “Know Your Rights at Work” community legal education sessions to help migrant workers understand their workplace rights and safety in Australia.

Most migrant workers in Australia experience problems at work at some point, such as underpayment, workplace injury, or unfair treatment. But only a small number ever speak up or seek help about these issues.

“Know Your Rights at Work” sessions give workers confidence and practical knowledge to respond to workplace issues and connects them with support services that can give them free and confidential advice.

These sessions are ideal for community groups, educational institutions, migrant support programs, and any organisation interested in supporting workers’ rights.

Sessions for community groups and not-for-profit organisations are free.

Learn more or submit an EOI here

Research and Policy

Latest policy submissions:

Submission to the inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia

This submission calls for a skilled migration program grounded in rights, fairness, and dignity, consistent with the Migration Review (2023) and the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy (2023).

Submission to refreshing Victoria’s Strategy for International education

The submission highlights how education, work, and visa conditions intersect for international students. As paid work is necessary for many students, the conditions of that work have a direct impact on educational outcomes and wellbeing and must be considered within an education-focused strategy.

Read our latest policy submissions here

International Working Women’s Day: Join the rally!

This International Working Women’s Day, women and gender-diverse unionists and allies from across Victoria are coming together to build collective power and solidarity. We invite our community to stand together for dignity, safety and respect at work.

Event information
Friday 6 March 2026
12PM - 1:30
Victorian Trades Hall Council steps, 54 Lygon St, Carlton