He had fled his native Iran in 2012, after being jailed and tortured over his advocacy for an ethnic minority. In Australia, he was detained for months, and then released without work rights. He could no longer practice microbiology, although he’d headed a hospital lab in Iran and had over 15 years experience.
Two months ago, Nik moved to Hobart, where he hoped to replicate his success. . He was in talks to start selling at a weekend market in Hobart, and two stores and a cafe began to stock his treats.Now, with the coronavirus spreading across Australia, the markets are closed, and Nik is not earning anything from his business. But he still has to pay rent and bills.
But despite announcing billions of dollars in stimulus and support packages this month, the government has not taken action to extend the safety net to refugees and asylum seekers on temporary visas. The government has broad powers under the stimulus legislation passed earlier this month to adjust the rules around the social security system, which could be used to extend support to temporary visa holders.
He got the right to work in late-2014, but could not find a job. He said his temporary visa, sometimes just six months in length, has always been a"big obstacle" to his efforts to find a job. No matter what field — IT, engineering, hospitality or fitness — employers worried that they would train him up and then he would have to leave.
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