19 May 2020

Australia's large undocumented labour force is at major risk of catching COVID-19, a new report warns, with many working and living in crowded and cramped conditions.

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A report by Associate Professor Joanna Howe and Dr Ankur Singh, for the United Workers Union, found undocumented workers were at a high risk of infection and creating "new clusters of infection".

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The undocumented migrant workforce is smaller in Australia but many live several people to a room, are exploited by middlemen and are regularly underpaid, the report said.

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The report said accommodation is often sub-standard, with poor ventilation and unhygienic due to large numbers of people sharing sanitary and cooking facilities.

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"These put at risk Australia's initial success in controlling COVID-19 infection, hamper infection control protocols and pose measurable risk to the Australian population.

"Risk of identification, detention and deportation renders them unlikely to opt for testing and assist in contact tracing – crucial elements of infection control."

Jannette Armstrong, the United Workers Union's farms director, said undocumented workers were often reluctant to visit doctors due to cost and fear of deportation. The union wants an amnesty for them to work legally.

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The Victorian Farmers Federation, recognising how important these workers are to their industry, wants both an amnesty for undocumented workers and a new agriculture visa.

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Estimates vary on how many undocumented workers there are in Australia, from 60,000 to 100,000 people. They are thought to most commonly work in hospitality, cleaning, massage, construction and on farms.