A United Nations official said he was “seriously concerned” by the treatment of temporary migrant workers in Australia following an official visit to Australia. ABC News cited findings from the UN Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, adding that he was invited to Australia by the federal government.

Obokata said temporary migrant workers in Australia are facing “disturbing” patterns of exploitation from some employers, labour hire companies and migration agents. Further findings showed some employers “actively hire” disengaged and undocumented workers to take advantage of their vulnerability, resulting in further exploitation and abuse, including sexual and criminal exploitation.

He said he was particularly concerned about the welfare of workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, the Domestic Worker (diplomatic or consular) stream, and those on the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, Working Holiday Visa, and Student Visa.

Obokata said workers in those visa pathways were commonly employed in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, food processing, aged care, accommodation, domestic work (for both diplomats and private homes), hospitality, cleaning and security.

“The main issue among these schemes is that they create a significant power imbalance between employers and workers, since employees are either tied to a single employer, and mobility is reported to be extremely difficult, and/or dependent on their employer for extension of contracts or nomination for permanent residency,” he wrote in his interim report. The final report will be released next year.