Raj is a young man in his 20’s living alone in Sydney on a bridging visa without family. He presented as a quiet and reserved individual that would not normally seek out or draw attention to himself.

Raj is a young man in his 20’s living alone in Sydney on a bridging visa without family. He presented as a quiet and reserved individual that would not normally seek out or draw attention to himself. When asked about his situation, Raj was hesitant to open-up to SSI.

Raj confided that his family had sent him to Australia to make a better life for himself, and in turn, assist them financially. He is heavily burdened with his current situation and the thought of not having been able to send his family assistance for an extended period.

He is currently four weeks behind on rent and has been unable to find work since the first COVID-19 shutdown. Raj is considered physically and mentally fit to work, and thus is ineligible for government support during COVID-19.
Due to a lack of employment opportunities his situation has been dramatically deteriorating. Being completely self -reliant,

Raj sold his car to pay for rent in April, hoping that this would help him get by until he found work again. In June he was forced to sell his last remaining possessions of value, his gold necklace and ring.

He left our office as he came in, quietly.

*Image and name changed to protect the individual's identity.