Temporary migrants will be better protected from wage exploitation and unreasonable working conditions under stronger federal laws.
A bill being introduced to parliament this week stipulates that migrant workers are entitled to the same protections as all Australians under the Fair Work Act.
Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke said the changes would address long-held concerns from human rights advocates that workplace laws and conditions including superannuation and enterprise agreements might not extend to migrants.
"As a result of this change, visa workers will be left in no doubt they have the same rights and protection of other Australians," he said.
"This is an important step in reducing the opportunity for these workers to be exploited."
Mr Burke said temporary visa holders may have poor knowledge of their workplace rights and these vulnerabilities could be exploited by unscrupulous employers.
The change fulfils one key recommendation from the Migrant Workers' Taskforce report released in 2019. The government has committed to implementing all 22 recommendations.
The 141-page report found the number of temporary workers was about 900,000 in 2018 with the top two countries of origin China and India.
Both countries were also the top two source of international students followed by Nepal, Brazil and Vietnam.
Temporary migrants comprise more than 10 per cent of the Australian workforce.
Mr Burke said the changes would give underpaid or exploited visas holders greater confidence to seek assistance from authorities.
"Temporary migrant workers make an essential contribution to our economy and society, and are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections as Australian citizens and permanent residents."
