Foreign students and backpackers are victims of exploitation in Australia

Foreign students and backpackers are victims of "endemic and severe" labor exploitation in various Australian industries, according to a study published today in the country oceanic.

Sydney (Australia), Nov 21 (EFE) .- Foreign students and backpackers are victims of "endemic and severe" labor exploitation in various industries in Australia, according to a study published today in the oceanic country.

Almost 30 percent of international students and backpackers earn about 12 AUS (9.06 USD or 7.72 Euros) or less per hour, when the legal minimum wage in Australia is 18.29 AUS dollars (13.8 US dollars or 11.7 euros).

46% of respondents earned AUS $ 15 per hour or less (11 $ 9.65), excluding those who had the 457 visa that is granted to foreign workers with certain skills through a sponsoring employer.

"At least one of Five Americans, British, Indians, Brazilians and Chinese all earned about half of the minimum wage, "according to the report" Wage Wage in Australia ", from the Technological University of Sydney (UTS) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

"We found that the overwhelming majority of international students and backpackers are aware that they are poorly paid. Farbenblum, from the UNSW.

Foreign workers with temporary visas from Asia, including China, Vietnam and Taiwan, tend to receive lower wages than those from America. North, Ireland and the United Kingdom, according to a UNSW statement.

The study, which was also prepared by Laurie Berg of the UTS, reveals that wage theft occurs mainly in the collection of fruits and vegetables, as well as in coffee shops, restaurants and convenience stores and gas stations.

"For almost 40 percent of students and backpackers, salaries The lower ones were paid in cafeterias, restaurants or take-away stalls, "said the other co-author of the research, Laurie Berg, UTS expert.

" One of seven Participants who worked in the collection of fruits and vegetables (15%) earned $ 5 USD per hour or less ($ 3.7 USD or 3.2 euros) and one third (31%) $ 10 AUD per hour (7.5 USD or 6.43 euros).

Likewise, the report that is supported by the surveys of 4,322 temporary immigrants from 107 countries in all Australian states and territories, indicates that 44 per cent One hundred of foreigners with temporary visas receive money in hand.

The report shows that international students and backpackers face conditions that could be qualified as forced criminal work.

In 91 cases respondents reported that their passports were confiscated, 173 had to pay in advance a "deposit" of up to 1,000 AUD dollars ($ 754.9 USD or 643.3 euros) and 112 were required to return cash to their employers after receiving their salaries.

Temporary foreign workers they represent up to 11 percent of the Australian labor market.