Korean cleaners exploited by Korean employers

Korean cleaners have been paid illegal cash wages of $15 an hour, which an employer has attempted to argue is the "going rate" in Australia's Korean community.

Many of Korean working holiday makers work at cleaning industry Source: AAP

Two Korean cleaning workers, who are on working holiday visas, are believed to be owed almost $10,000 for just three months' work at a Sydney college between March and June this year.

The troubling revelations have come to light after exploited cleaners lodged complaints with the national workplace watchdog.

When questioned about the illegal pay rates, the Sydney cleaning contractor told officials that $15 an hour was considered common pay among Korean businesses.

"There is no 'going rate' for Korean employees or indeed employees of any other nationality," Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said.

"Minimum wage rates apply to everyone in Australia - including visa holders - and they are not negotiable."