Refugee Families Struggle to Make Ends Meet in First Year of Arrival

A new report from UNSW Sydney and the Australian Council of Social Service has shed light on the living standards of migrant groups in Australia.

The study, which analyzed data from over 1.3 million permanent migrants who arrived between 2011 and 2021, found that nearly 90% of refugee children under 15 lived in households with less than $500 per week in their first year after arrival.

This is a concerning trend, as research shows that sustained poverty in early childhood can have long-term impacts on health, education, and life chances. The report also found that it takes time for migrant families to establish themselves and improve their living standards, with men entering the workforce relatively quickly but women taking longer due to caring responsibilities.

The study highlights the need for adequate support services for migrants, particularly those on humanitarian visas, including employment assistance, settlement support, and access to informal labor markets. The report's authors recommend reducing the waiting period for social security benefits and increasing funding for support programs to help migrant families overcome poverty and achieve better outcomes.