As a student, it can happen that when working with people from your country or your region, you are offered cash payment, arguing that it will be better for you because you won't have to pay taxes. As well as being illegal, you notice that your employer subtracts money from you weekly for various reasons, e.g., for uniforms. Bills, things that have been damaged, etc. As they take money from you, they offer you more "overtime" hours with no time off. When you speak up, your employer threatens to contact the Internal Affairs Department to report "your bad behaviour" for working more hours than allowed on your visa, and verbal and psychological abuse starts. In addition:
Threats of deportation and reporting to immigration.
Threats to block the worker so they will not get another job.
Threats to harm workers or their families if they try to leave, complain, or seek help.
Persons subjected to forced labour are forced to work against their will or under threat of punishment.
They may work long hours in poor conditions for little or no pay.
They are indebted to an employer or sponsor, but the debt is too large to repay.
You are not free to stop working.
You work long hours and cannot ask for time off.
Money is deducted from your salary for tools, food, and accommodation.
Your employer or sponsor organises your work, transport, accommodation, and phone calls for you.
You are forced to do insecure work, and/or you cannot negotiate your working conditions.
Your employer or sponsor threatens to cancel your visa or contact the authorities (e.g., the police) if you complain.
You cannot access your passport, identity card and other belongings.
If you identify with any of these situations where the employer is taking advantage of you or someone you know, do not hesitate to seek help, you can contact us or call the police directly by dialling 000 from your mobile phone.
In Australia, this crime is taken as a high priority. You can also seek support from the Red Cross, who provide support to migrants throughout Australia and will provide you with information about other organisations and agencies that may be able to assist you, including support in
Social assistance
Financial assistance
Employment support
Access to healthcare
Support to find a safe place to live
Counselling and emotional support
Contact them on 03 9345 1800 Email National_stpp@redcross.org.au Website https://www.redcross.org.au/migration/support-for-trafficked-people/
Anti-Slavery Australia can provide free and confidential legal and immigration assistance if you are experiencing modern slavery, including severe labour exploitation, anywhere in Australia.
Contact them to:
Find out about your legal rights and options.
Apply for a visa and talk to the Immigration Department.
Keep you safe through safety plans and court orders
Take legal action
Find other support, such as counselling, housing, and financial help.
Call 02 9514 8115 Send an email to antislavery@uts.edu.au or use the online contact form
Website antislavery.org.au
Comments