Tragedy in Australia Highlights Risks of ‘Training Visas’ for Migrant Workers

The death of 21-year-old Filipino migrant worker Jerwin Royupa has prompted a fresh federal police probe in Australia, laying bare how supposed “training visas” can be misused to exploit vulnerable workers — and offering a stark cautionary tale for young Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad. 

A Promised Opportunity Turned Deadly

Royupa arrived in New South Wales in early 2019 on a subclass 407 training visa, intended to allow overseas workers to participate in workplace-based occupational training. Instead of receiving structured training, the 21-year-old was placed in a remote winery where the work he performed did not match what was proposed in his visa application. 

An inquest by Deputy State Coroner Rebecca Hosking found that Royupa was made to perform excessive manual labour without pay, was paid far less than promised, and did not receive genuine occupational training as outlined in his visa documents. He was paid a nominal base wage despite working long hours, and his sponsor withheld access to his passport — a classic tactic that can prevent workers from leaving exploitative situations. 

The Circumstances of His Death

After about five weeks in Australia, Royupa exited a moving vehicle driven by his sponsor under circumstances the coroner described as linked to fear and coercion. He later died in hospital from complications of multiple blunt-force injuries. 

The coroner described the sponsor’s conduct as “deplorable,” noting that after Royupa was injured, the sponsor failed to immediately call for medical assistance and instead disparaged him to a paramedic before leaving the scene. 

From Inquest to Federal Police Investigation

In her report, the coroner concluded that Royupa had been “exploited” and exposed to “potentially criminal conduct”during his time in regional NSW and referred the case to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation. This marks a significant development: it is considered Australia’s first inquest into forced labour concerns since modern slavery laws were introduced. 

Exploitation Patterns and Systemic Vulnerability

While modern slavery and labour exploitation take many forms worldwide, certain elements in this case mirror broader risks that migrant workers can face:

• Restricted freedom of movement: Confiscating or controlling passports can trap workers in abusive conditions. 

• Financial pressure: Workers often incur debts to secure visas or travel, creating pressure to stay even when conditions are abusive. (Context based on patterns documented in global labour migration research.)

• Mismatch between visa purpose and work reality: Training visas are intended for genuine skill building, but oversight gaps can allow sponsors to treat visa holders as cheap labour. 

Resonance for Kenyan Migrants

Although this tragedy occurred in Australia, its lessons are global. Many Kenyan youths pursue overseas work opportunities through trainee, guest worker or temporary labour schemes promoted by employment agencies or governments. Without robust safeguards, similar visa categories can expose workers to exploitative conditions, restricted rights and legal vulnerability.

Royupa’s death underscores the importance of due diligence before accepting overseas placements — including verifying sponsors, understanding visa conditions, and ensuring support mechanisms are in place. The AFP investigationhighlights how, in extreme cases, systemic weaknesses can enable criminal exploitation under the guise of legitimate training or work programs.