Recommendation 236

Protect the rights of Migrants and eliminate unfair treatment of migrant workers, and ensure their integration in to society

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State
Pakistan
Issue
Equality and non-discrimination
Social cohesion
Employment
Population group
Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
Australian Government Agency and/or Jurisdiction
  • Department of Home Affairs
  • Department of Social Services
  • Department of Jobs and Small Business
Australia's Response
Accepts
Australia's Position

The Australian Government has considered the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICMRW) and is not intending to become a party at this time.

The Australian Government protects the human rights of all migrants and temporary entrants under existing domestic and international law, including the human rights and labour conventions to which Australia is a party. The Australian Government regards the combination of strong domestic and international protections already in place to be sufficient.

Australia engages constructively with treaty bodies in relation to complaints. It is not considering acceding to additional treaties where there would be little practical impact on the already existing strong protections in Australia.

The Australian Government works to improve the lifetime wellbeing of migrants and refugees settling in Australia by responding to their specific needs, encouraging their independence and participation in the Australian community. The Australian Government's settlement programmes are based on the principles of early intervention, needs-based services and fostering social and economic participation. These programmes have a strong emphasis on supporting pathways to employment, education and English language training, as positive factors in supporting access to work and participation in society.

In October 2017, the Department of Social Services launched a new Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP). The design of the HSP represents a significant reform to the policy objectives and services previously provided to Humanitarian entrants. The HSP will build skills and knowledge for social and economic wellbeing of humanitarian entrants through a needs-based case management approach. The program is focussed on improving English language and employment outcomes, encourages innovation and increased efficiency in service delivery; and improves linkages to the Adult Migrant English Program and the Skills for Education and Employment Program, (administered by the Department of Education and Training) and jobactive (administered by the Department of Jobs and Small Business).