Wage Theft Is a Crime in Australia
Under Australian law, paying employees below the legal minimum wage, withholding earned pay, or misclassifying employees as "contractors" to avoid entitlements is wage theft. It is illegal regardless of visa status — being an international student does not reduce your legal protections.
Common Forms of Exploitation Targeting Nepali Students
- Being paid cash at below-minimum rates (AUD $12–15/hour for work that should pay $23+)
- Not receiving penalty rates for weekend/evening/public holiday work
- Unpaid "trial shifts" lasting more than 1 hour
- Being asked to work "off the books" to stay under work hour limits (the employer benefits, not you — and you bear the visa risk)
What To Do
- Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94 | fairwork.gov.au. Anonymous report possible. They investigate and recover unpaid wages. VISA STATUS IS NOT REPORTED TO IMMIGRATION when you make a complaint.
- Workplace Safety (Safe Work Australia): For unsafe working conditions.
- Keep records: Screenshot your rosters, keep payslips, note start/end times.
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