Students at risk
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/leadership-governance/policies-procedures-guidelines/modern-slavery-response/students-risk Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/bel/about/contact
You may be at risk of exploitation in Australia or overseas.
This risk is higher for students who:
- have few close support networks
- are learning English
- are unfamiliar with Australian labour laws
- have limited income or financial support
Signs of slavery
These signs may not always indicate modern slavery on their own, but they can indicate serious issues and may be warning signs of exploitation.
You may be in a situation of modern slavery if you:
- can’t access or control your passport or other identity documents
- feel intimidated or threatened by someone in a position of power (such as an employer or landlord)
- experience physical or sexual violence or abuse
- are isolated, or your communication and movement are closely controlled
- are offered a job you didn’t apply for, receive no pay, or are significantly underpaid
- are forced to repay large debts from your wages or cover excessive costs for housing, food, transport or training
- live or work in unsafe, abusive conditions and feel unable to leave
Vulnerable students are also at greater risk of cyber scams which could lead to modern slavery. See examples of scams on UQ’s Cyber security site.
Help for students
If you’re stuck in a concerning situation or experiencing modern slavery, help is available.
For general information and questions, contact Anti-Slavery Australia.
Support at UQ
- Access free counselling and support at UQ Student Central
- Access UQU Student Advocacy and Support services.
Report a modern slavery incident or concern
If you or someone you know is in danger or is unsafe, seek help.
Specialised information and support
Depending on the type of situation you are experiencing, more direct support and resources might be valuable.
Employment
You might be vulnerable to exploitation at work, especially if you have visa conditions or restrictions. Employers may threaten to cancel your visa or use your visa as an excuse to underpay you.
You can seek help about exploitation without fearing your visa will be cancelled under The Fair Work Ombudsman's Assurance Protocol.
The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures workplaces are equal and fair in Australia.
- Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or learn more about your work rights
- Learn about your work rights and responsibilities as an international student on Study Australia
- Check your visa details and conditions.
Placements and work experience
UQ investigates Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement organisations before applications are opened to students.
However, there’s still risk that students, particularly those with placements in high-risk countries or industries, could be threatened with academic consequences and exploited to work excessive hours.
If you have any concerns related to a WIL or work experience:
- contact Student Enrichment and Employability Development
- see Work Integrated Learning and Work Experience Policy.
Forced marriage
A forced marriage is when person gets married because they have been coerced, threatened, deceived, or are incapable of understanding what marriage will mean for them (for example, because they are too young).
Anyone can be a victim regardless of their cultural group, religion, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation.
An arranged marriage is different to a forced marriage – in an arranged marriage, both people freely consent and can refuse to get married.
Free and confidential legal and migration support is available.
Rentals and housing
If you’re struggling to find a rental, avoid agreeing to unfair conditions and situations that you wouldn’t normally accept.
It’s important to know your legal rights as a tenant to prevent exploitation, especially if you don’t have local knowledge of the rental market.
Recruitment agents
Unauthorised international recruitment agents might attempt to scam students by offering illegitimate study opportunities or make false promises of paid work.
Make sure your agent is registered with UQ.
Forced movement
Human trafficking may involve forcing or tricking someone into travelling to a different country, including Australia, to exploit them.
Advice and support is available.