A tragic case of exploitation and potential criminal activity has led to a coroner's recommendation for further investigation by the federal police. The death of 21-year-old Jerwin Royupa, a Filipino migrant worker, has brought to light serious concerns about the treatment of visa-holders in Australia's training schemes. Royupa's death in 2019 after jumping from a moving vehicle while working as a trainee at a winery has raised questions about his treatment and the approval process for training visas.
The New South Wales (NSW) deputy state coroner, Rebecca Hosking, found that Royupa was subjected to 'exploitative' conditions during his five weeks in Australia. He was exposed to 'potentially criminal' conduct, including excessive working hours, outdoor work in extreme heat without appropriate protection, and a lack of access to his passport. The training sponsor, who cannot be named, was found to have failed to provide adequate care and support, and even threatened Royupa with removal to the airport or police.
Hosking's report highlights the sponsor's 'deplorable' conduct, including the failure to call an ambulance when Royupa was unconscious and the disparagement of his condition to a paramedic. The coroner concluded that Royupa's death was caused by 'multiple blunt force injuries' and that the sponsor's actions may have contributed to his decision to jump from the vehicle.
The inquest, held in December 2024, was a significant step in addressing concerns about forced labor and modern slavery. It was the first of its kind in Australia since the criminalization of modern slavery offenses in 2013. Hosking made six recommendations, including a referral of the coronial brief and transcript to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation. She also called for an internal review by the Department of Home Affairs to identify lessons learned and a formal review of the department's role in approving 407 training visas.
The Department of Home Affairs has pledged to strengthen regulations for training visas and incorporate the coroner's findings. They have also increased refusal rates for the subclass 407 visa category to 45% for 2025-26. The NSW Police have been contacted for comment, and the case continues to be under scrutiny to ensure the protection of visa-holders and the prevention of such exploitation in the future.
