In our spotlight on APAC series, we round up the latest developments across Asia Pacific. In this post, we look at the amendment to Australia’s Migration Act commencing on 1 July 2024.
Australian Government Strengthens Protections for Temporary Migrant Workers.
The Australian Government has enacted the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024, that will be effective July 1st, 2024. This marks a significant step in protecting temporary migrant workers from exploitation.
Key measures include:
- Criminal penalties: Employers who coerce workers to accept unfair conditions or breach visa regulations face fines and jail time.
- Employer bans: Repeat offenders can be prohibited from hiring temporary migrants for a set period.
- Publication of the names of prohibited employers: Names of banned employers will be published online.
- Enhanced enforcement: More resources and tools for authorities to investigate and address violations.
- Repeal of s235 of the Migration Act: Removing a law that currently makes it an offence for temporary migrant workers to breach work visa conditions or unlawful non-citizens who work.
This Act strengthens Australia’s commitment to protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring fair treatment for all.
For more information on these updates or for assistance in planning your global immigration needs, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].