How does living illegally affect daily life for overstayers like Ramesh?

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Daily Life for Overstayers is Marked by Fear and Avoidance

Living illegally in Australia significantly impacts an overstayer's daily existence, forcing them into a life of constant fear and avoidance of essential services. For individuals like Ramesh, a 28-year-old Malaysian, this means limiting social interactions, foregoing necessary medical care, and experiencing heightened anxiety whenever law enforcement is present. This precarious situation stems from the lack of legal documentation, which restricts access to standard services and creates a pervasive sense of vulnerability.
Constant Fear of Detection

The primary consequence of overstaying a visa is living under the constant threat of being apprehended by immigration authorities. Ramesh, who has been living illegally in Australia for one year after a promised working visa did not materialise, described his fear, stating, "I get nervous, I get scared, like, you know… traumatised" whenever he sees the police. This heightened state of alert influences his decision to only leave his home for work, avoiding other activities that might draw attention or require identification.
Avoidance of Essential Services

Without a valid visa, overstayers face significant barriers to accessing basic services, leading to the avoidance of crucial needs. Ramesh avoids seeking medical attention when ill due to concerns about his legal status. Furthermore, he is apprehensive about applying for a driver's license, a common requirement for daily life and employment, because he lacks the necessary legal documentation. This avoidance can have serious implications for an individual's health and mobility.
Economic Precarity and Cash-in-Hand Work

To sustain themselves, overstayers often resort to informal employment, receiving cash payments that bypass official channels. Ramesh earns a living through car detailing and odd jobs, where he is paid cash-in-hand. This type of employment, while providing income, offers no legal protections or benefits and often means employers are unaware of the individual's illegal status. This precarious economic situation is compounded by the need to repay debts, including the money borrowed for the visa that never materialised.
Risks Associated with Overstaying

The Australian Department of Home Affairs reported that between 2016 and 2017, 10,000 Malaysians overstayed their visas, making them the largest group of such individuals. Being caught overstaying can lead to severe consequences, including deportation, detention, and a ban from re-entering Australia for a minimum of three years. These potential repercussions underscore the gravity of the situation and contribute to the pervasive fear experienced by individuals like Ramesh, who plans to surrender to immigration authorities rather than risk being caught at the airport.

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How does living illegally affect daily life for overstayers like Ramesh?

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