Australia’s hidden housing crisis: Exploring the housing circumstances and experiences of Temporary Visa Holders (TVHs).

<p>Whilst there are almost three million temporary visa holders (TVHs) residing in Australia, their housing experiences remain largely invisible.</p> <p>The most vulnerable TVH groups are international students, participants in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, and people seeking asylum. The government ultimately bears the responsibility for the welfare of TVHs; however, oversight and regulation are fragmented across many government agencies, both Federal and state. We present research findings from an AHURI Investigative Panel, exploring the housing circumstances and experiences of TVHs in Australia.</p> <p>The housing experiences of TVHs are driven by their visa status, making them largely ineligible to access housing services and supports. In turn this ineligibility pushes TVHs to precarious, vulnerable situations, accepting any kind of employment and accommodation arrangements. This often leads to poor living conditions, overcrowded housing, and substandard living conditions. Racism, discrimination and classism are also common experiences for TVHs trying to access accommodation.</p> <p>Ineligibility for social and health supports can trigger and compound obstacles for TVHs, leading to entrenched disadvantage, poor physical and mental health, unemployment, and potentially leading to exploitation, abuse and homelessness. Service providers and community and migrant groups are committed to providing support to TVHs, banding together in a variety of ways, however they do so with little to no funding or recognition from the government. </p> <p>In this presentation, we offer insights into how government agencies and departments, housing providers, universities and International Education Agents, human service organisations, and community and migrant groups can facilitate better housing outcomes for TVHs.</p>