What do we know about the experiences of migrant care workers in Australia? A scoping study

Abstract

Migrant workers comprise a significant and growing segment of Australia's non-professional frontline care workforce. In this article, we offer a scoping study of existing research to investigate what is known about the experiences of migrant workers employed in nonprofessional care occupations in Australia. Through a systematic approach, which includes six discrete stages (Arksey and O'Malley, 2005), we find a growing and substantial literature on migrants working in nonprofessional care occupations in Australia. However, we also find that only a small number of studies are concerned with the experiences of migrant workers themselves. This article thematically maps out existing knowledge about these workers-including pathways in and out of paid care work, (under)utilisation of skills, cultural meanings attached to paid care work, experiences at work such as racism and language barriers, and finally how care work is situated in relation to workers' private lives. We conclude by identifying major gaps in the literature and outlining important avenues for future research.

Migrant Care Workers’ Perceptions of Their Working Conditions in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities

“…The availability of caring roles in RACFs and the opportunity to train as a PCA within a short duration also motivated some participants to work in RACFs. Some migrants will inevitably experience challenges such as unemployment during their adaptation and integration into their settlement country ( Overgaard et al, 2022 ). Two participants, a skilled worker and a professional in the finance sector in their countries of birth, identified unemployment as a challenge when they first arrived in Australia.…”

“…Language and communication skills are integral to migrants’ acculturation process ( Doucerain et al, 2015 ), and communication difficulties can create tension in workplace relationships ( Overgaard et al, 2022 ) with co-workers and residents. For instance, difficulties in comprehending regional accents, colloquial language, and slang used by co-workers and residents from the dominant culture can result in migrant care workers being vulnerable to discrimination and racial comments projection ( Overgaard et al, 2022 ). Our findings also reveal that communication difficulties were particularly challenging for newly arrived migrant care workers.…”

“…Stressors such as high workload, low remuneration and lack of career projection ( Overgaard et al, 2022 ), complex regulatory care requirements, deprivation of personal time, deteriorating health, aggressive behaviors, and violence from residents are some challenges faced by aged care workers, and not only migrant care workers ( Chen et al, 2020 ). Our study adds to the literature that the complexity of resettlement challenges, including communication difficulties, the lack of familiarity with the host culture, and social support, can negatively affect migrant care workers’ ability to perform their roles effectively in the aged care sector.…”

“…It is well documented in the literature that migrant aged care workers are significantly disadvantaged ( Charlesworth & Isherwood, 2021 ). They are more likely to work overtime, have limited control in choosing their shifts, and may engage in a higher number of night shifts compared with their native-born co-workers’ projection ( Overgaard et al, 2022 ). Migrant care workers on temporary work visas are especially vulnerable as their employment is crucial to their residence in the host country ( Charlesworth & Isherwood, 2021 ).…”