International Students Being Underpaid in Australia: What Students Need To Know
- May 8
- 2 min read
A new report in News.com.au has shared something that many international students in Australia already know — wage theft and workplace exploitation are a big problem.
According to a recent report from the Migrant Justice Institute, international students are being underpaid by up to $3.18 billion annually.
During an interview with more than 8,000 temporary visa-holders across Australia, many revealed that they are:
being paid below minimum wage - with 1 in 5 being paid $10/hour less than they should be
not receiving superannuation payments
getting fake or incorrect payslips
working long hours - often in violation of their student visa conditions
in unsafe work environments
having wages illegally deducted
Some even find themelves in forced labour - which is a criminal situation.
This has been reported in industries including hospitality, cleaning, retail, delivery driving, and other casual jobs popular with students on the subclass 500 Visa.
How Can This Happen?
Life is expensive here. Students often have to accept whatever work they can get to make money quickly. When starting in no Australian work experience in your resume, and for some, weak English skills. Some employers take advantage of that.
Many students also don’t fully understand Australian workplace laws or are scared to complain out of fear of losing their jobs or affecting their visas.
What you Need to Know
As a 500 visa holder, your have workplace rights, like all Australians.
These include:
beng paid the minimum wage
receiving superannuation
havng safe working conditions
receiving correct payslips
being given proper breaks
protection from unfair treatment
Be aware that if you accept cash payments as wages, and are not paying income tax, you are violating the law and are also part of the problem.
What is Your Part to Play?
Do your homework:
understand workplace rights & laws
choose a reputable and trustworthy employer
ask for help is something seems strange
The more international students understand their rights, the better protected they can be.
