In the Island Nation's Heart, Hunger and Desperation Grip Asylum Seekers
Living on $115 a week is a challenge in itself, but add the isolation and confinement of an island nation, and the numbers become alarming. More than 160 people have been sent to Nauru by Australia since its offshore processing regime restarted in 2023, with many struggling to survive on meager stipends.
The Australian government has imposed strict rules on asylum seekers waiting for processing, including a ban on working without a visa, which can lead to loss of living expenses or even deportation. This leaves many resorting to taking up informal work, such as at petrol stations and construction sites, just to make ends meet.
The cost of basic necessities is exorbitant in Nauru, with a bag of grapes costing $20 and a quarter-sliced watermelon $24. The weekly allowance of $230 per fortnight is hardly enough for a decent meal, let alone groceries.
"I cannot survive on the $230 per fortnight allowance," says one asylum seeker who wishes to remain anonymous. "The money is not enough because everything is expensive here – rice, fish, we cannot buy any fruit here, internet for $100 per month. How is it possible to survive?"
Asylum seekers fear being deported back to their countries of origin, which are often plagued by violence and systemic persecution. Many have had to rely on skipping meals just to get by.
"I have a family," says another asylum seeker who has been waiting for processing since 2023. "If I die, my family [will] also die with me. Please help me find safety."
The situation is dire, with many asylum seekers facing mental health issues and despair. Ogy Simic, advocacy head of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, describes the allowance as "measly" and calls for greater accountability from Australia.
"It's unconscionable that asylum seekers are being punished 'for doing what any of us would do in the same situation'," he says.
Living on $115 a week is a challenge in itself, but add the isolation and confinement of an island nation, and the numbers become alarming. More than 160 people have been sent to Nauru by Australia since its offshore processing regime restarted in 2023, with many struggling to survive on meager stipends.
The Australian government has imposed strict rules on asylum seekers waiting for processing, including a ban on working without a visa, which can lead to loss of living expenses or even deportation. This leaves many resorting to taking up informal work, such as at petrol stations and construction sites, just to make ends meet.
The cost of basic necessities is exorbitant in Nauru, with a bag of grapes costing $20 and a quarter-sliced watermelon $24. The weekly allowance of $230 per fortnight is hardly enough for a decent meal, let alone groceries.
"I cannot survive on the $230 per fortnight allowance," says one asylum seeker who wishes to remain anonymous. "The money is not enough because everything is expensive here – rice, fish, we cannot buy any fruit here, internet for $100 per month. How is it possible to survive?"
Asylum seekers fear being deported back to their countries of origin, which are often plagued by violence and systemic persecution. Many have had to rely on skipping meals just to get by.
"I have a family," says another asylum seeker who has been waiting for processing since 2023. "If I die, my family [will] also die with me. Please help me find safety."
The situation is dire, with many asylum seekers facing mental health issues and despair. Ogy Simic, advocacy head of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, describes the allowance as "measly" and calls for greater accountability from Australia.
"It's unconscionable that asylum seekers are being punished 'for doing what any of us would do in the same situation'," he says.
$115 a week is literally not even enough to buy groceries, let alone live comfortably 
Like, if I got sent to some island nation with almost nothing and had to work just to survive, I'd be FURIOUS 
And the fact that they can't even get decent food without breaking the bank is insane 
20 bucks for a bag of grapes?! Are they kidding me? 
It's all so cruel and inhumane 
.
. I get that processing asylum seekers is hard, but come on! This is just cruel 
. What would I do if I had to send my kids with no food or shelter? No way...
... how are they supposed to survive? 
we should be ashamed that our gov's policies are making people live like this 
. $115 a week is like, super low for anyone, let alone people who are already dealing with trauma and uncertainty. And you're adding an island nation to the mix? It's like they're putting a ticking time bomb on top of each other 
. I mean, have you seen those prices in Nauru? $20 for a bag of grapes?! That's insane 
. The mental health implications are already huge, but now it's like, the system is literally pushing them to the edge 
. We need some serious reform here 
and an overhaul of these ridiculous rules 
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. I mean, $115 a week? That's like trying to survive on a single pizza slice 
. And then you add the isolation and no work permit... it's just too much 
. We need to step up and help these asylum seekers find a safe haven 
. The Aussie government needs to rethink its policies and prioritize humanity over bureaucracy 
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. And don't even get me started on the cost of living in Nauru - $20 for a bag of grapes? Are they kidding me? 
. And the rules are ridiculous too - banning work without a visa? That's basically forcing them to live off scraps 
, but it's hard to deny the dire consequences for asylum seekers living on Nauru 
. The strict rules and ban on informal work are particularly problematic 
. The cost of basic necessities is exorbitant, making it a daily struggle to access even fundamental needs like food and water 
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. Until then, we need to find ways to provide greater support and resources for asylum seekers living on Nauru 
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. The Aussie gov needs to take a closer look at this and do something about it ASAP 
160 people stuck on an island with $230 a fortnight is not enough to survive, especially when basic things like internet and food cost an arm and leg 