Everyone
should be able to see a doctor
In Australia, we believe that when someone is sick, they should be able to see a doctor – no matter where they were born or how much they earn.
But right now, thousands of people seeking asylum are being locked out of the healthcare they need, as well as the right to work.
This isn’t just unfair – it’s dangerous. And it’s preventable.
a warning from over 100 healthcare professionals
More than 100 doctors, nurses, and medical professionals released an open letter warning of a growing healthcare crisis affecting people seeking asylum in Australia.
“If our system of healthcare is to be truly universal, humanitarian, and rights-respecting, access must be based on medical need – not visa status,” the letter states.
The
problem
People lawfully seeking protection can lose healthcare in a deliberately complex, punitive system. Visa conditions shift, and Medicare and work rights can be revoked arbitrarily – sometimes for minor issues, sometimes due to bureaucratic delays beyond their control.
At the Asylum Seekers Centre, around 1 in 3 people we support don’t have Medicare.
Being locked out of healthcare and work has severe consequences:
- • Chronic conditions go untreated
- • Mental health deteriorates
- • Preventable complications escalate
- • Care is delayed until emergencies arise
People want to support themselves – but without healthcare and work rights, they are prevented from doing so.
How we can
fix it
We can choose a better path: ensure continuous healthcare access and the right to work, and build a system that works fairly and consistently for everyone here under the law.
We are calling on the government to:
- ✅ Ensure access to Medicare for all people with a claim for protection
- ✅ Grant the right to work to all people seeking asylum in the community
When people can access healthcare and work, they stay healthy, contribute to the community, and reduce pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
Saba’s*
story
Saba* fled danger and arrived in Australia 18 weeks pregnant on a bridging visa that denied her Medicare and work rights.
Unable to afford private care, she went without antenatal services until 34 weeks, when preventable complications put her and her baby at serious risk, including stillbirth and long-term developmental issues.
After birth, both required extended hospital and NICU care costing over $50,000 – without Medicare support.
Saba later developed postnatal depression and anxiety but could not access public treatment.
Cut off from care and support, she faced one of the most vulnerable periods of her life with fear, stress, and uncertainty.
Her story is not unique. Thousands seeking asylum face life-threatening health risks because they are denied the healthcare and work rights needed to stay safe and contribute to society.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Take action
It’s time for the government to ensure everyone seeking asylum in Australia can access healthcare and work rights. People shouldn’t be denied healthcare or the ability to support themselves because of visa delays or bureaucratic rules.
Stay updated on our campaign
Sign up to receive updates on our Healthcare for All campaign and find out how you can help protect access to healthcare and work rights.
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Donate
to our work
Donate to help us fight for continuous healthcare access and the right to work for people seeking asylum. Your support helps us advocate, collect stories, and push for real change that keeps people healthy and able to contribute to society.
