This briefing focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on asylum seekers holding Bridging Visas (BVs “A”, “C” and “E”), and refugees on Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) and Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs). 

Workers holding BVs, SHEVs or TPVs are vulnerable to job losses as they are mostly employed in casual jobs with low incomes, and often in industries most affected by COVID-19 (such as accommodation and food services). As a result of unemployment and lost income, there are likely increases in poverty, overcrowding in private accommodation, homelessness and, for BVE holders, detention—all of which are a threat to the progress Australia has made in reducing community transmission of COVID-19.