Are Asylum Seekers ‘Mooching’ off the Australian System?
In recent debates, there has been a suggestion that asylum seekers are taking advantage of the Australian government system, much like children or other long-term benefit recipients. This article aims to dispel such misconceptions and provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation, supported by the actual facts and circumstances underpinning the Australian immigration and social welfare systems.
Refugees and the Australian Social Welfare System
The term 'mooching' in relation to asylum seekers is a loaded and stereotype-driven description. In reality, the Australian government has established a complex and nuanced system to support these individuals. Children, for example, are often seen as moochers, as they do not pay taxes but receive extensive free services such as education and healthcare. However, this is not unique to them; adults who arrive in Australia as asylum seekers also face a similar situation before they can contribute to society.
Asylum Seekers in Offshore Detention
Individuals who have no valid visa to enter Australia and are detained offshore receive basic provisions like food and shelter, but they do not access 'entitlements' such as healthcare, education, or employment services. Reports regarding their mental health are concerning, with conditions described as inadequate and unsatisfactory. These individuals are caught in a limbo, with no clear path to integration or assistance.
Onshore Asylum Seekers and the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme
Asylum seekers who have a visa and are awaiting the determination of their claim, often referred to as 'visa overstayers' or those on bridging visas, are generally in the onshore community or in onshore detention. These individuals receive some limited support via the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme, administered by the Red Cross. The support provided by this scheme is restricted and means-tested, with financial assistance capped at 89% of the Newstart allowance. This amount is intentionally set below the poverty line to ensure that recipients do not have the means to engage in illegal activities to support themselves.
The Transition to Permanent Residency
Upon becoming permanent residents, refugees are entitled to access all the same benefits available to other Australian citizens. However, there are several restrictions. Permanent residents must wait at least two years before accessing benefits such as Austudy, Carer Payment, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Newstart Allowance, unemployment benefits, Sickness Allowance, and Youth Allowance. The wait increases to ten years for the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension. These restrictions aim to provide temporary relief while ensuring that permanent residents do not exploit the system.
Employment and Integration
Humanitarian visa arrivals, a subset of asylum seekers who have been granted permanent residency, have a workforce participation rate of 77.5%, which is lower than other migrants due to language barriers. However, it is still higher than the local workforce participation rate of 67%. This reflects the challenges faced by these individuals in integrating into the community, but also their desire to contribute to the economy and their new society.
Conclusion: A Nuanced View
The perception that asylum seekers are mooching off the Australian system is a misconception. The Australian government has developed a comprehensive system to support these individuals. While there are challenges and restrictions, the goals are to ensure adequate support, prevent illegal activities, and facilitate integration and long-term contribution to Australian society. Understanding the nuances of this system is crucial for fostering a more informed and compassionate discussion on immigration and social welfare.