People seeking asylum like Ayan and other non-residents/visa holders are not able to access public housing and are given little other support in NSW despite greater levels of support through public-private partnerships and a greater level of basic support in other states. They also face significant barriers to securing sustainable housing, including language barriers, little to no Australian rental history, being underemployed or in casual/unreliable work, limited knowledge of the Australian housing market, and an inability to sign longer-term lease agreements due to the uncertain nature of their visa status.

The situation is at crisis point. The issue of homelessness amongst visa holders and temporary residents made it into the news earlier this year following the tragic death of a Nepalese Student, Bikram Lama, on Sydney’s streets.

What we’re calling for: 

• Last year Homes NSW included people seeking asylum into its 10-year housing strategy but this symbolic move must be followed up with action.
• People seeking asylum are technically eligible for crisis accommodation provided by Specialist Housing Services but are often denied access as a result of their uncertain visa statuses and lack of “exit pathways”. Homes NSW must do more to facilitate access for people seeking asylum.
• Homes NSW must give people seeking safety access to its products and services.
• These services include the Rent Choice Start Safely which helps people find stable housing in the private rental market if domestic or family violence has made their living situation unsafe and subsequently financial assistance with rental payments. Barriers to access include NSW Government funding and potential federal government implications as the program is tied closely to Centrelink.
• Other services include “Bond Loans” which constitute loans of up to 100% of a rental bond with 0% interest. Funding once again is a crucial barrier to access.
• The federal government must provide greater funding to state governments for temporary/emergency housing.
• While visa holders and non-residents are not explicitly excluded from the National Rental Affordability Scheme, accessibility remains an issue and both state and federal governments can do more to help in this regard.
• The federal government should fix the safety net for people seeking asylum and restore access to the SRSS program for those who need help, regardless of their stage in the visa process. They should also continue to prioritise the legacy caseload and resolve the status of people who have been living in limbo for over a decade.
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