Australia’s aged care sector is facing renewed scrutiny following disturbing allegations that some migrant workers have been subjected to conditions likened to modern-day slavery that war unearthed by The Courier Mail. The claims, raised through a national survey of frontline aged care staff, suggest that exploitation is occurring behind closed doors in facilities entrusted with caring for older Australians.
Reports from nurses and support workers indicate that some migrant staff have had their passports confiscated, been threatened with visa cancellation, and pressured into gruelling workloads. Accounts describe unpaid overtime, compulsory double shifts, and being called in while unwell for fear of losing their pathway to residency. Several respondents said colleagues were made to work despite debilitating illnesses, including gastro.
Much of the concern centres on workers from Nepal, India and the Philippines who arrive in Australia on employer-sponsored visas. Many must complete two years with the sponsoring provider before becoming eligible for permanent residency, placing enormous power in the hands of employers. Advocates say this dynamic leaves workers vulnerable to coercion, debt bondage and other forms of exploitation.
The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner has warned that seizing identity documents or tying workers to ongoing repayments can be strong indicators of forced labour. In some cases, employers cover visa costs upfront but demand repayments that quietly continue for months or years. This effectively traps workers in the job, regardless of working conditions.
While the Australian Federal Police has received dozens of reports of forced labour in the past year, frontline staff say many migrant workers are too frightened to come forward. Fear of deportation, loss of income, and concern for family members still overseas creates a powerful barrier to reporting abuse.
Advocates in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales say the patterns emerging from recent accounts mirror well-known signs of human trafficking. Workers have described exhausting workloads, threats, intimidation and total dependence on their employer for their legal status. Some recount arriving in Australia full of hope, only to find themselves working relentless shifts within days of landing.
Community organisations working with migrant employees say exploitation in the sector is far more common than most Australians realise. Wage theft, excessive unpaid overtime, unsafe work demands and threats to withhold sponsorship remain widespread issues. Support services stress that withholding passports or using visa status as leverage is illegal, and employers engaging in such practices can face serious consequences.
The allegations have been referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the federal government. Unions and advocacy bodies are urging urgent action, saying the aged care sector – a system built to protect vulnerable older people – must also protect its vulnerable workforce.
As Australia faces chronic staff shortages and increasing reliance on overseas workers to support aged care, advocates argue that safeguarding migrant workers is essential. Without strong enforcement, transparent reporting, and real accountability, they warn that exploitation will continue to flourish out of sight.
