As you may know, while working in Australia on a visa, you have workplace rights and entitlements that are protected by law.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) can help you understand these rights and entitlements in your language and resolve workplace issues.
Language help
The FWO provides employees and employers with professionally translated information and interactive resources in over 30 different languages.
By selecting your language, you can access a range of information on many different workplace topics including:
- Minimum hourly pay
- Holidays and taking time off work
- Ending employment
- Getting help with workplace issues
On each dedicated language page, you can also access useful translated guides and resources including:
- Starting a new job guide – A guide and checklist to help you make the most out of your new job.
- Language Storyboards – a series of short videos in various languages to assist you in understanding your rights and obligations in Australian workplaces
You can also translate other pages on the FWO’s website by using the automatic translator tool, powered by a Microsoft translator. This tool is available on most pages of the website. To use the tool, choose your language from the drop-down menu at the top of any page.
Webinars
The FWO regularly delivers free webinars tailored for different industries and audiences, including in-language webinars. Its next in-language webinar is:
‘Working or Employing in Australia? Learn about your workplace rights and obligations in Mandarin’
Tuesday, 5 December 2023 – 2:00-2:30pm AEDT
Please check its dedicated webinar page for information about upcoming webinars, including any upcoming in-language webinars.
Reporting workplace issues
It can be difficult to deal with unfair treatment when you’re an international student. You’re entitled to receive all your workplace entitlements and protections, even if you haven’t followed the conditions of your visa. Read about these protections on the Visa holders and migrant workers page.
While you are encouraged to speak with your employer as a first step, if you are not comfortable doing this, you can get in contact with the FWO via My Account, on 13 13 94, or for Translating and Interpreting services call 131 450.
If you aren’t comfortable speaking to the FWO directly or want to notify the FWO of a workplace issue, you can lodge an anonymous report in your language.
Further information
- The FWO has two case study videos detailing international students’ experiences in resolving workplace issues with the FWO’s assistance. Check out Felipe’s Story and Jessica’s Story, now with in-language subtitles. Visit the FWO’s YouTube Channel for more in-language videos.
- For the most up-to-date information on workplace laws and the FWO’s tools and resources, you can subscribe to email updates at fairwork.gov.au/emailupdates.
- For more information about your visa protections including the Assurance Protocol, please visit fairwork.gov.au/assuranceprotocol.
- Check back in early 2024 for updated translated versions of the Fair Work Information Statement and Casual Employment Information Statement.
