Many migrant workers left out of COVID-19 benefits

As governments try to counter the economic chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant and temporary workers are being excluded from financial rescue measures. That's especially true in Australia where migrants on work-related visas, but have not been included in wage-subsidy programs.

Australia is home to an estimated more than 1 million temporary migrant workers. /CGTN

"Australia is one of the most significant immigration nations in the world. We have more immigrants that almost any other country except for Switzerland and Luxembourg," said University of Technology professor Jock Collins.

"The Australian economy has been much more dependent on the continuous flow of temporary migration than any other time in its history. There are large numbers, 700,000 plus, who remain in Australia and the main issue is what is the Australian government's responsibility for those migrants, and I think this is the key area of contention at the moment."

Temporary workers who lost their jobs are struggling without government assistance. /CGTN

Lydia, who didn't want us to use her last name, recently lost her job when measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 effectively shut down the hospitality industry. The German national and many other temporary skilled workers do not understand why they can't access the federal assistance they desperately need to survive.

"Especially if you have been in the country for a couple of years and paid your fees and your taxes and your bills and being a part of the community," said Lydia.

In New Zealand, migrant workers account for about 10 percent of the nation's workforce. Despite being classified as a temporary worker, Gurpreet Singh has become a supermarket checkout manager, responsible for 37 people, and works long stressful hours on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis. But immigration officials won't grant her residency.

Temporary worker Gupreet Singh says she's not eligible for residency. /CGTN

"We work for this country, we work hard. We pay the tax, everything, and they're still saying I am not doing enough duties, how come they can do that," she said.

New Zealand immigration lawyer Alastair McClymont says the pandemic highlights the value of temporary workers in essential industries.

"Not having a pathway to residency is the main driver of exploitation of migrant workers, and I think now would be the perfect opportunity for this Government to say 'hey, you know, thanks for feeding us and thanks for looking after our people."