Australia study reveals endemic exploitation of temporary migrant workers
A major new study has found evidence of widespread and endemic exploitation of foreign temporary workers in Australia.
The study, based on a survey of 4,322 working visitors to Australia found 32% of back packers, international students and other migrant temporary workers were paid less than AUS$12 (£6.90) an hour, around half the legal minimum wage.
Temporary migrant workers make up around 10% of Australia’s workforce.
The study was carried out by the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New South Wales.
“The study confirms that wage theft is endemic among international students, backpackers and other temporary migrants in Australia,” says the study’s authors, adding: “For a substantial number of temporary migrants, it is also severe.”
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