A new survey has revealed the scale of migrant worker exploitation in Australia, with nearly two-thirds of migrant workers reporting they are paid below the legal minimum wage. Rights groups say the findings expose a deeply entrenched system of labor exploitation rather than isolated abuse. 

Report should act as “wake-up” call 

The report, published by the Migrant Justice Institute, surveyed almost 10,000 temporary visa holders. It found that international students alone lose an estimated AU$3 billion in unpaid wages every year. NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner James Cockayne described the report as a “wake-up call.” He warned that insecure jobs, sham contracting and cash-in-hand payments are working together to create widespread vulnerability. 

In the Canberra Times, Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans stated:

These are not isolated cases of bad employers, this is a system that produces vulnerability at scale and enables willing employers to exploit it.  

The findings add to growing concern about exploitation across Australia. In October 2025, reports of modern slavery and trafficking reached record highs nationwide. It is possible the increases are indicative of police awareness-raising campaigns having an effect. However, labor exploitation often intersects with other forms of modern slavery. And reports of forced marriage in Australia have also risen sharply in recent years. That’s why survivors and campaigners say all the evidence points to the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable communities.  

Long hours and unpredictable pay 

According to the report, employers use informal payment systems to avoid oversight and underpay workers. Researchers found many employers are misusing Australian Business Numbers to classify workers as contractors instead of employees. As a result, businesses can avoid legal obligations and reduce regulatory scrutiny. 

One former spa worker, whose testimony appeared anonymously, described constantly changing wages and exhausting shifts saying: 

They paid me in cash, but every day was different. Sometimes she paid me $18 an hour, others $20, $19. 

The worker also described receiving only short lunch breaks during long workdays.

Sadly, the lack of protections has already led to tragedy. In January, the death of Filipino worker Jerwin Royupa sparked outrage after evidence suggested he had been trapped in exploitative conditions while on a training visa. Evidence showed Royupa was forced to work excessive hours and feared his employer before his death. Campaigners say both cases expose the same serious failures in Australia’s migrant worker protections.  

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