Modern slavery report uncovers dark side to PALM visa scheme leaving vulnerable workers homeless and destitute
When Ezekiel landed in Australia as a guest worker two years ago, he was full of hope.
He was here as part of a government scheme to allow businesses to hire workers from the Pacific Islands to fill a chronic labour shortage in the agricultural sector.
Two years later, he is in limbo, on a 90-day Support to Trafficked People Program, after ending up destitute and homeless, and the company that sponsored him being investigated by the Fair Work Ombudsman for abuse and mistreatment of workers.
Ezekiel symbolises the failure of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) visa scheme to provide a safety net for workers who feel they have no choice but to leave their employer.
He is one of thousands who have left the scheme, disengaged and vulnerable to further exploitation.