Exploitation of migrant workers in Australia is rife.

Recent migrants are twice as likely as long-term residents to be underpaid, and up to 16 per cent of recent migrants are paid less than the national minimum wage.

Exploitation hurts migrants, but it also weakens the bargaining power of Australian workers, harms businesses that do the right thing, damages Australia’s global reputation, and undermines confidence in the migration program.

Three sets of reforms are needed to eliminate exploitation.

First, visa rules that increase migrants’ risk of exploitation should be reformed.

Many temporary visa-holders put up with mistreatment because they fear that if they speak up their visa will be cancelled or they will lose their pathway to permanent residency in Australia...

Second, workplace and migration laws should be strengthened and better enforced to deter exploitation...

Third, migrants should be given more help to reclaim lost wages.

Migrant Workers Centres should be established in each state, funding for community legal centres should be boosted, and the Fair Entitlement Guarantee should be extended to migrant workers...