There are believed to be tens of thousands of unlawful migrants in Australia. Often hesitant to seek medical care due to fears of deportation, and living together in overcrowded accommodation, those supporting them say they are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tens of thousands of unlawful migrants in Australia are at risk of destitution and being unable to access adequate healthcare during the coronavirus pandemic, advocates have warned amid calls for greater protections for non-citizens.
The Federal Government has previously estimated that more than 64,000 illegal migrants are currently living and working in Australia, the vast majority who have overstayed their visa, but the true number of people slipping under the radar is unknown.
It is because of this invisibility that advocates say this group will be particularly hard hit by the impacts of COVID-19. Without the legal right to be in Australia, undocumented migrants are unable to access welfare payments if their work is cancelled and are not entitled to Medicare.
Many also fear they will be asked about their visa status if they seek out healthcare, leading to concerns the virus could spread unchecked.
Source – SBS News
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