From rampant wage theft to being fired after reporting sexual harassment

The government has tried to ignore the spiralling situation, but if newspaper after newspaper reveals the truth of what life is like for people on temporary visas during coroanvirus, it makes it impossible to look away.

If thousands of us write to our local papers, we can show politicians that this is happening in their states, in their electorates, and that people – including their constituents – are tired of waiting for solutions.

Writing letters 

For those in our communities on temporary visas, options are running out fast.

International students are being forced to line up around the block for their next meal.3 Families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads – some are even facing homelessness. And without government support, it's only a matter of time until people are forced into unsafe work that puts themselves and their families at risk.4,5

The government cannot let this go on. Across the country, anger is growing at the government's inaction and outright refusal to support our communities. Together, we need to make sure they're feeling the heat from every angle.
 
Regardless of visa status, everyone needs support to get through this pandemic.

And to help rebuild a stronger, healthier and more just future, that must include those of us who came to forge lives, create homes and pursue dreams in this country.

In determination,

Anisha and Naz for the Colour Code team

References
[1] International students facing 'perfect storm' of exploitation and coronavirus could make it worse, ABC, 30 June 2020
[2] Bosses 'routinely exploit' international students, The Australian, 01 July 2020
[3] Thousands of international students lining up for food vouchers could just be the 'tip of the iceberg', SBS, 2 June 2020.
[4] Stranded without support, international students across Australia rely on free food to survive, The Guardian, 15 May 2020
[5] 'I could be on the street': Emerging underclass of jobless temporary residents, SMH, 29 March 2020

Our team acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and work. We wish to pay respect to Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledge the important role all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within Australia and the Colour Code community.

Authorised by Z. Edries, GetUp for Colour Code, Sydney.