The Migrant Justice Institute undertakes strategic research and public engagement to achieve fair treatment, enforcement of rights and access to justice for migrant workers.

One in every 20 workers is a migrant - over 150 million people worldwide. Key industries and global supply chains in every region are structurally reliant on exploited migrant workers. Few businesses are ever held accountable because government oversight is weak and most migrant workers cannot enforce their rights. Many never obtain the wages they are owed.

Our rigorous research provides a transformative understanding of the legal and practical hurdles that prevent migrant workers accessing remedies for exploitation and forced labour, and identifies solutions. We chart pragmatic new pathways for decent work and responsible recruitment for migrant workers in Australia and globally, grounded in migrants’ experiences. We closely collaborate with migrant communities, civil society organisations and trade unions to amplify migrants’ voices and support migrant worker empowerment.

Key publications

Latest news


UTS Law Faculty and UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice are proud supporters of the Migrant Justice Institute.
MJI is a charity registered with ACNC. ABN 84654507758.