Inquest finds deceased overseas trainee was exploited

The findings of an inquest handed down today into the death of Jerwin Royupa have exposed serious inadequacies in the protection of overseas trainees and highlighted the vulnerability of training visa holders under Australia's current visa framework.

“This case heard evidence of multiple indicators of forced labour — a form of modern slavery,” said the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans.

Mr Royupa arrived in Australia in March 2019 on a subclass 407 training visa, having been promised a scholarship and vocational training. Instead, he was required to work unpaid for up to 60 hours a week in excessive heat.

During his time in Australia, Mr Royupa was isolated and highly vulnerable. The inquest heard that his attempts to seek help from government and other agencies in the days before his death were tragically unsuccessful. Deputy Coroner Hosking found that the supports available to subclass 407 visa holders were “inaccessible, inadequate and insufficient.”

“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the Royupa family, who have campaigned tirelessly to shed light on Jerwin's death and the vulnerability of training visa holders,” said Commissioner Evans. “Jerwin deserved protection and support. Our systems failed to provide it.”

The inquest identified numerous deficiencies in the 407 training visa framework, including a failure to supervise or prevent employers from taking advantage of overseas trainees, that leaves vulnerable workers exposed to “unacceptable risks of exploitation.”

“The current 407 training visa framework not only fails to adequately protect visa holders — it contributes to the conditions in which exploitation can flourish,” Commissioner Evans said. “I welcome the coroner's findings and recommendations, and I am keen to assist the government to give effect to the important actions needed to better protect other visa holders.”