Miguel’s* story is an inspiring road to freedom. Once deceived and trapped in labour exploitation, he was led to believe he was stepping into a life of education, learning, and employment. However, instead of opportunity, he found himself in a situation of exploitation and disappointment that quickly broke down his sense of safety and belonging.
While he has been set free, the road ahead is not without obstacles. The weight of visa issues, financial struggles, and painful separation from loved ones often makes the future feel uncertain and, at times, overwhelming. While these challenges could easily extinguish hope, Miguel refuses to let them define him.
What shines through is his resilience and determination. Far from being held back, he has emerged as a leader among his peers, someone who uplifts and inspires those around him. Having completed all the classes at The Freedom Hub, he has set his sights on new goals: earning his full driver’s license, living independently, and building a supportive circle of friendships.
Every step forward, no matter how small, reflects Miguel’s growing confidence and inner strength. Miguel’s road to freedom is a powerful reminder that healing and empowerment are possible, even after the darkest of experiences. As a result, his courage not only fuels his own transformation but also inspires the entire community to believe in freedom, renewal, and a brighter tomorrow.
Migrant worker protections
The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024 amended the Migration Act 1958 to introduce new laws aimed at tackling migrant worker exploitation. The laws deter employers and others in the labour chain from using a person’s migration status to exploit them. They help create a level playing field for businesses doing the right thing.
New Workplace Laws Protecting Migrant Workers – Effective 1 July 2024
From 1 July 2024, new laws have been introduced to:
- Reduce the exploitation of temporary migrant workers
- Strengthen employer compliance
- Improve workplace justice outcomes.
The reforms introduce three new offences for employers, sponsors, and labour hire intermediaries. It is now illegal to:
- Pressure or coerce a temporary visa holder to break their visa work conditions
- Pressure or coerce a person without a valid visa to accept work arrangements
- Use a worker’s visa status to exploit them in the workplace, including influencing future visa applications.
These laws apply across many workplace situations, including:
- Underpaying migrant workers
- Pressuring them to work beyond visa limits
- Threatening visa cancellation (only the government can cancel visas)
- Forcing workers to hand over passports
- Coercing workers into unwanted sexual activity
- Pressuring workers to live in unsafe or inadequate housing.
Importantly, all migrant workers are protected, regardless of their visa status, whether valid, expired, or in breach of visa conditions.
Learn more about how these laws impact migrant workers and employers HERE.
If you or someone you know needs support due to exploitation or servitude, reach out to us at The Freedom Hub or call 1800FREEHUB.
*Note: *Name has been changed to protect the survivor’s identity.
