Turning migrant voices into policy reform.
We listen to people on visas, uncover what's broken, and deliver the evidence governments and businesses need to fix it and protect fairness for everyone.
READ OUR LATEST REPORT
Underpayment of Migrant Workers in Australia →
Over
2m people
on temporary visas have worked in Australia in the past 15 years
THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM
More
than 50%
of surveyed migrant workers in Australia are underpaid
$1b+ in unpaid wages
of surveyed migrant workers are underpaid
These aren't isolated incidents. Key industries are structurally reliant on workers on visas, yet government oversight is weak and visa conditions trap those who cannot enforce their rights. When people on visas are exploited, all workers' wages are undercut and industries race to the bottom.
The system is broken. But we know how to fix it.
Watch: Why can't migrant workers recover the wages they are owed?
Visa protections must be strengthened so workers can report exploitation without risking deportation. Wage recovery systems must be streamlined so justice is achievable, not theoretical. Enforcement must be overhauled so businesses face real accountability.
Our research identifies these pathways and charts how to implement them. And they’re grounded in migrants' experiences and built through collaboration with communities, unions, and civil society.
Latest Evidence & Blueprints
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Underpayment of Migrant Workers in Australia
MAR 2026
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Key findings:
• 67% of international students paid below minimum wage
• Visa conditions prevent 4 in 5 from reporting underpayment
• Streamlined wage recovery could help 50,000+ workers annuallyImpact: Our evidence informed Fair Work Ombudsman's new protections framework
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Migrant workers and modern slavery in Australia
MAR 2026
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Key findings:
• 67% of international students paid below minimum wage
• Visa conditions prevent 4 in 5 from reporting underpayment
• Streamlined wage recovery could help 50,000+ workers annuallyImpact: Our evidence informed Fair Work Ombudsman's new protections framework
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Why migrant workers in Australia don't recover the wages they are owed
MAR 2026
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Key findings:
• 67% of international students paid below minimum wage
• Visa conditions prevent 4 in 5 from reporting underpayment
• Streamlined wage recovery could help 50,000+ workers annuallyImpact: Our evidence informed Fair Work Ombudsman's new protections framework
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Migrant workers' knowledge and perceptions of labour rights
MAR 2026
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Key findings:
• 67% of international students paid below minimum wage
• Visa conditions prevent 4 in 5 from reporting underpayment
• Streamlined wage recovery could help 50,000+ workers annuallyImpact: Our evidence informed Fair Work Ombudsman's new protections framework
OUR RESEARCH IS GROUNDED IN MIGRANT VOICES
“I worked 60 hours a week but only got paid for 20. When I complained, my boss threatened to cancel my visa.” — Maria
“I knew I was being underpaid, but I stayed silent. I needed the job to support my family back home.” — Raj
“I worked 60 hours a week but only got paid for 20. When I complained, my boss threatened to cancel my visa.” — Maria “I knew I was being underpaid, but I stayed silent. I needed the job to support my family back home.” — Raj
"My employer kept my passport. I felt trapped—like I couldn't leave even though the conditions were terrible." — Laura
"They told me if I reported them, I'd be deported. I believed them for two years." — Ahmed
"My employer kept my passport. I felt trapped—like I couldn't leave even though the conditions were terrible." — Laura "They told me if I reported them, I'd be deported. I believed them for two years." — Ahmed
“I was studying full-time and working nights. My boss knew the visa rules and paid me cash under the table—always less than minimum wage.” — Sofia
“When I finally spoke up about missing wages, I found out I wasn't alone. Six of us were being treated the same way.” — Mike
“I was studying full-time and working nights. My boss knew the visa rules and paid me cash under the table—always less than minimum wage.” — Sofia “When I finally spoke up about missing wages, I found out I wasn't alone. Six of us were being treated the same way.” — Mike
FIND WHAT YOU NEED
Are you a worker on a temporary visa?
Understand your workplace rights and how to access support if you've been underpaid or exploited.
Covering the issue?
Access our latest research, expert commentary, and media materials.
Organising for worker justice?
Download ready-to-use frames, stories, and evidence to support your campaigns.
UTS Law Faculty and UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice are proud supporters of the Migrant Justice Institute. MJI is a charity registered with ACNC. ABN 84654507758.