This research paper outlines the experiences of asylum seekers who arrived to Australia by boat and are living in the Australian community without the right to work and with only minimal financial support. It highlights the distress and fear many are enduring caused by the denial of work rights and ongoing uncertainty about their refugee claims.

It builds on our previous research into the experiences of asylum seekers in the community after long-term detention that highlights the critical importance of the right to work and securing employment. The findings of this research are based on interviews conducted in July-October 2013 with 29 men and women who continue to endure forced unemployment and conditions of poverty and great uncertainty due to Australian policy.