Migrant workers holding off on sickies

Seventy-seven per cent of migrant workers were found to take less than two sick days in a year, with a new research finding that lack of entitlement awareness played a role.

More than one in three (39 per cent) migrant workers were found to have never taken a sick day off, and nearly two in five (38 per cent) had only taken one or two sick days off in the past year. This is in contrast with an annual average of 14.3 sick days taken by Gen Z workers and 8.9 sick days taken by Baby Boomers.

This data was unveiled in Bupa’s The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health Whitepaper, from the survey responses of 638 migrant workers between May and June 2025. Commissioned by Bupa, in partnership with Quantum Market Research, this report highlights the attitudes and behaviours that migrant workers had towards their health.

Right disparities

Dr Tony MacDermott, clinical director at Bupa Health Services, noted disparities in worker rights globally. In particular, some countries were found to deport migrant workers at the discretion of the government, “including when workers are found to have certain health conditions”.

“That may influence a migrant worker’s perceptions of what their rights are in Australia. For example, they may worry about losing their job if they take unscheduled leave, or that their visa status might be jeopardised if they have a health condition,” MacDermott said.

Use of health services

Thirty-six per cent of migrant workers struggled to find a GP who spoke their language, and 41 per cent pointed to language barriers as a key obstacle in getting medical help, the research found. Further, 51 per cent of respondents attributed their cultural background to their differing healthcare needs. Interestingly, the research also found that migrant workers in mining, retail, and construction reported better mental and physical health compared to those in accounting, banking, and IT.

Some migrant workers found it hard to take time off work – 27 per cent of respondents reported avoiding medical treatment because of this difficulty. The research also found that nearly one in two (44 per cent) respondents expressed worry about their visa status and its influence on job security. Financial pressure was another contributor to stress, as reported by almost two in five (39 per cent) migrant workers.

Bridging gaps

Bupa recommended that workplaces promote mental health literacy through workshops and initiatives, and provide culturally inclusive onboarding processes to “provide clear information on workplace rights, entitlements and support services”.

“For Australia to thrive, we must ensure that our culturally diverse communities are supported in every aspect of their health and wellbeing – physically, mentally and socially,” MacDermott said.

“Employers, policymakers and healthcare providers must prioritise mental health while addressing workplace pressures and general workplace readiness, as well as visa uncertainty and financial stresses that are playing into the fear of taking sick leave.”