A tragic case of alleged exploitation and potential criminality has come to light in Australia, sparking a federal police investigation. The death of a young Filipino migrant worker, Jerwin Royupa, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of visa holders in the country.
In a recent inquest, a coroner in New South Wales (NSW) referred the case to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), suggesting further inquiries are warranted. The coroner's findings reveal a disturbing story of a 21-year-old man who died in March 2019, after a fall from a moving vehicle, just five weeks into his stay in Australia.
But here's where it gets controversial: Deputy Coroner Rebecca Hosking determined that Royupa was 'exploited' and subjected to potentially criminal conduct during his brief time in the country. The coroner's report paints a picture of a vulnerable migrant worker, who was allegedly mistreated by his training scheme sponsor.
On March 14, 2019, Royupa exited a van driven by his sponsor, who had threatened to take him to the airport or the police. The sponsor's actions following Royupa's fall were questionable. Instead of immediately calling for medical assistance, the sponsor left the scene, only to return later, and even disparaged Royupa to a paramedic.
The coroner described the sponsor's behavior as 'deplorable'. Royupa succumbed to his injuries the next day at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, due to multiple blunt force injuries. The coroner could not rule out the possibility of a threat that led to Royupa's exit from the vehicle.
And this is the part most people miss: Royupa, a Filipino national with an agricultural background, was promised educational training in Australia. However, he was instead subjected to manual labor, working excessive hours with inadequate pay and no access to his passport. The coroner's findings indicate a stark contrast between the proposed training and the reality Royupa faced.
The inquest also revealed that the Department of Home Affairs had initially approved the training visa, but later rejected a similar nomination after Royupa's death, suggesting a potential failure in the system. This case has become a catalyst for change, with the coroner recommending a review of the department's role in approving such visas and the implementation of mandatory modern slavery training for police officers.
The Department of Home Affairs has expressed condolences to Royupa's family and friends, promising strengthened regulations for the training visa. But the question remains: Could this tragedy have been prevented? What measures should be taken to ensure the fair treatment of migrant workers in Australia? Share your thoughts below.
