Bupa will put a fresh spotlight on the wellbeing of migrant workers this month, drawing attention to the pressures that shape how new arrivals engage with Australia’s health system and workforce. The company is preparing to launch its latest white paper, The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health, at a lunchtime event at its new Melbourne campus on 21 November.
According to Bupa’s forthcoming white paper, many migrants arrive with a strong belief in the strengths of Australia’s healthcare system. Seventy two per cent say that access to health services is a key reason they chose the country, and sixty four per cent feel private health cover makes healthcare more affordable. Yet, despite this draw, many still hesitate to seek help when they need it.
More than half of respondents, 56 per cent, report cost concerns and challenges taking time off work as major barriers to care. Visa uncertainty and financial stress emerged as common sources of strain across all age groups, suggesting that the wish to participate fully in the workforce is often complicated by fear of jeopardising stability.
These findings sit alongside earlier Bupa research which showed many migrant workers rarely took sick leave. That survey found 39 per cent had never taken a single sick day and a further 38 per cent took only one or two days off over the previous year. Cultural habits and limited awareness of workplace rights were identified as likely influences.
The upcoming event, titled Thriving in Australia’s Workforce, will bring together speakers from migration policy, mental health, insurance, workforce development and legal practice. Former Immigration Deputy Secretary Abul Rizvi will deliver opening remarks, followed by Andrea Christie David, Director of Mental Health at Bupa Health Services, and Kerrilyn Stratford, COO and leader of Visa Medical Services in New South Wales. Other contributors include Simon Uzunovski, Director of International and Corporate Health Insurance at Bupa, Mark Kopec, General Manager for International Partnership, and Traci Chen, Principal Lawyer at Maison Chen Law Group.
Their discussions will explore how health, work and visa pressures intersect for people preparing to enter the Australian workforce, and what employers and migration agents can do to support wellbeing. The event is free, CPD accredited, and open to migration agents and organisations that hire or assist migrant workers.
Bupa says the white paper aims to deepen understanding of the lived experience of migrants as they navigate work and healthcare. As Australia continues to rely on migration to address workforce needs, the company argues that recognising these pressures will be essential to helping new arrivals settle, participate and thrive.
To book tickets to the event click here.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
