Employing Migrant Workers - take care
They changed the law on April 30th. And fundamentally if you treat your migrant workers as you do other workers - with at least their minimum rights - you will have no problems. The only difference being that you must ensure they have the correct, valid visa.
But anyone who is guilty of exploitation (e.g. paying less than minimum wage; not providing protective equipment; no extra pay for working on a public holiday) or of recklessly ignoring visa status can now face up to 5 years jail or fines up to $100,000 (or both). Immigration officers will also have additional powers to search employers' premises.
So it may pay to warn anyone you know who may not be complying - and if they need advice as to what to do to rectify their employment practices, just ask!