December 3, 2024
THIMPHU – A group of Bhutanese in Australia has launched Druk Support Network—a community-driven initiative to address challenges faced by Bhutanese living in Australia.
The network, run by a small team of volunteers, will provide immediate relief and long-term solutions in areas such as financial management, mental health support, and migration pathways.
According to the programme coordinators, the network will ensure that every Bhutanese individual feels valued and empowered within the community.
The Bhutanese diaspora in Australia has been grappling with a range of challenges, including financial pressures, emotional distress, and difficulties navigating Australia’s complex immigration system.
Recent changes to visa policies have added to these struggles, especially for those over 35 years of age. Under the revised visa rules, individuals above 35 are restricted from transitioning to graduate visas, leaving many in precarious positions after their student visas expire.
This change has disproportionately affected Bhutanese migrants who have invested years of hard work and significant resources in Australia, only to find themselves without a clear path to long-term residency.
These issues have left many feeling hopeless, with some resorting to tragic actions in recent months.
The Druk Support Network has planned a series of workshops and consultations with relevant stakeholders to explore practical solutions.
The inaugural brainstorming workshop on November 30 brought together migration experts, businesses, and recruitment professionals. The session will focus on addressing visa challenges, particularly for individuals over 35 years old.
The workshop will be followed by an open day solution workshop, connecting community members needing support with experts and businesses. The network hopes to co-create actionable plans to address financial, employment, and visa-related hurdles.
The president of Association Bhutanese in Perth Incorporated (ABPI), Chimmi Dorji, said that some Bhutanese have already left Australia due to the challenges, while others are exploring alternative pathways for long-term residency. “If there are cases of visa refusal, the association is working with education consultancy firms to address these issues.”
He also highlighted the importance of educating civil servants above 35 planning to resign and move to Australia, so that they are aware of the potential challenges they might face.
The association is also working to address gaps in knowledge about university regulations and migration policies, which have compounded the struggles of Bhutanese students.
Students in Australia are also dealing with huge financial burdens as well. Many Bhutanese students struggle with debts while working limited hours under visa restrictions.
A Bhutanese student who moved to Australia in February said that finding a job and meeting financial needs is challenging. “Although there are jobs available, most employers look for full-time employees, making it difficult for students on restricted hours to find suitable opportunities,” the student said.
Balancing academics and work has proven to be another major hurdle. “At one time, I had to attend an exam and then rush to my work, which was three hours away, covering 65 to 75 kilometers,” the student added.
To secure stable jobs, relevant training is often required. However, many students cannot afford the necessary training programmes, forcing them to continue in low-paying part-time jobs.
“I could not undergo any training as I was already late for university and did not have enough money after arriving in a rush,” said another student.
The financial pressure extends to paying university fees, which remains a priority but is often overshadowed by other expenses such as rent and health-related costs. In such cases, some students resort to borrowing money from friends or family back home.
Medical expenses add another layer of difficulty for Bhutanese families in Australia. Hospital stays can cost up to AUD 2,800 per night, placing a huge strain on those already struggling financially.
In some cases, individuals are diagnosed with severe health complications that require additional financial resources.
The combination of financial and emotional pressures has contributed to an increase in tragedies within the community.
Perth alone recorded three deaths among Bhutanese individuals in 2024, including two suspected suicides linked to financial and emotional challenges.
Domestic issues, including a rise in divorce cases, have further added to the difficulties faced by Bhutanese individuals in Australia in recent times.
In this wake, ABPI President Chimmi Dorji said that the association has prioritised supporting community members in need. “The association is working to address these issues and create a stronger support system for Bhutanese in Australia.”
As per media reports, there were about 15,000 to 17,000 Bhutanese living in Perth.