On the 7th of February 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in Parliament with the passing of the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023. This key legislation targets the exploitation of temporary migrant workers by unscrupulous employers and third-party providers.
Here is a breakdown of the key amendments introduced by the bill:
- Introduction of criminal offences aimed at penalizing employers who coerce non-citizens into breaching visa conditions or accepting exploitative work arrangements.
- Implementation of measures to restrict employers found in violation of migration and workplace laws from hiring additional temporary migrant workers for a specified period.
- Increase in both criminal and civil penalties to dissuade employers from engaging in exploitative practices.
- Expanded utilization of enforceable undertakings and the introduction of compliance notices for suspected breaches of work-related provisions.
- Repeal of existing legislation criminalising temporary visa holders for breaching work restrictions or unlawful non-citizens for undertaking any work.
- Amendments to visa cancellation powers to broaden the considerations for visa cancellations prescribed by regulations.
These amendments mark a pivotal step towards safeguarding the rights and welfare of temporary migrant workers. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles emphasised this transformative motion in his media release.
