The United States government has officially outlined five fundamental rights that every foreigner currently living and working in the country on a work visa is entitled to, and has also made a dedicated hotline number available for those whose rights are under threat. The information was published on the official website of the United States government and applies to foreign nationals regardless of their country of origin.
Five Rights for Work Visa Holders
According to the US government, the following are the rights that work visa holders in the country are entitled to:
- Right to a safe workplace: Employers must provide a working environment free from known health and safety hazards.
- Right to leave an unsafe job: Workers are permitted to refuse to work in conditions that pose an imminent danger to their health or safety without fear of retaliation.
- Right to ask for help from labour rights groups: Foreign workers can seek assistance from organizations that advocate for workers' rights, including legal aid and advocacy groups.
- Right to be free from discrimination, harassment, and exploitation: Work visa holders are protected against unfair treatment based on race, gender, nationality, or other protected characteristics.
- Right to be paid fairly: Employers must comply with federal and state minimum wage laws and overtime regulations.
Contact Details for Violated Rights
Beyond listing these rights, the US government also provided clear guidance on what foreign workers should do if their rights are breached. The official statement reads: "If your rights have been violated, contact 1-888-373-7888 (within the United States), text 'HELP' to 233733 (within the United States), or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org." The hotline and contact options are available to work visa holders based within the United States.
Additional Context for Work Visa Holders
The US government emphasizes that these rights apply regardless of the specific type of work visa a foreigner holds, whether it be an H-1B for skilled workers, an L-1 for intracompany transferees, or an O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability. The protections are designed to ensure that all workers in the United States, including non-citizens, are treated fairly and have recourse if their rights are infringed.
UK Warns Student Visa Holders
In related news, the UK government has also published four key restrictions that apply to foreigners studying in the country on a student visa. According to the UK government, student visa holders cannot claim public funds, work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches, be self-employed, or study at a local authority-funded school. These restrictions aim to maintain the integrity of the student visa program and ensure that visa holders adhere to their primary purpose of study.
For more information on workers' rights in the United States, the official US government website provides comprehensive resources for both employers and employees. Foreign workers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their rights and to report any violations using the provided hotline or contact methods.
