17 September 2020

As If We Weren’t Humans: The Abandonment of Temporary Migrants in Australia During COVID-19 [...] presents findings from a July online survey of 6,105 international students and visa holders, on their experiences in Australia during COVID-19. 

[...]

Close to three quarters of survey respondents lost all or most of their work during the pandemic. Thousands were left unable to pay for food and rent, having been categorically excluded from government wage subsidy schemes. More than half (57%) believe their financial stress will deepen by year’s end, with one in three international students forecasting their funds will run out by October. 

This is the first study to reveal the depth of social exclusion, racism and deeper emotional consequences of Australia’s policies, which have significantly impacted Australia’s global reputation. [...] There are also detailed findings on increased prevalence of racism against Chinese and other Asian migrants during the pandemic. It recommends the government urgently reconsider its policies. In particular, it calls upon the government to provide wage subsidies and other support to address the critical humanitarian need identified, and to repair the immediate and longer-term damage caused by Australia’s exclusion of these integral members of our community and workforce.