The Australian government has announced a new visa subclass, which permits migrant workers fighting for their rights at the workplace precious time to stay on and get their claims. Exploited workers can now stay for up to a year to pursue their claims with their employer.
This is good news for temporary visa holders working in the country, who often end up being treated unfairly by their employers.
Aptly called the Workplace Justice Visa (subclass 408), the new visa came into effect on 24 July. Already, the Human Rights Law Centre has reportedly been approached by a couple of migrant workers who have faced injustice at work.
The Workplace Justice Visa allows the holders full working rights for six to 12 months. Applicants can opt to re-apply if they require. There is also a provision that protects workers—who have accused their employers of exploiting them—from having their visas cancelled.
This is a welcome reform in terms of offering protection to migrant workers. There have been innumerable cases of migrant workers being underpaid. Some have been paid well below the minimum wage. What is alarming is that most of these underpaid workers fail to report their employers primarily because they are scared of the repercussions. They fear that if their visa status is affected, their job opportunities will be ruined in the country.
