Hung, a part-time laborer from Hanoi, found himself in a precarious situation after being misled about his refugee status and accumulating significant debt. He advises fellow Vietnamese considering work in Australia on a tourist visa to opt for a legal pathway instead. Despite his monthly income of 10 million dong (US$400) in Hanoi, Hung struggled to save money due to the high cost of living. In pursuit of better opportunities, he decided to travel to Australia, where he hoped for higher wages and improved living standards compared to Vietnam.
However, his lack of eligibility for work visas led him to rely on a tourist visa, obtained through a deceptive immigration services company. As his visa approached expiration and debt continued to accumulate, Hung sought asylum as a political refugee to extend his stay in Australia. This decision, while providing temporary relief, comes with the uncertainty of a favorable outcome.
The surge in asylum applications from Vietnamese nationals in Australia highlights the challenges faced by individuals like Hung, who find themselves in desperate situations after falling victim to fraudulent promises of work opportunities. While some seek legitimate asylum due to persecution or injustices in Vietnam, others are driven by financial burdens and false expectations.
Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.