Week 9: Migrant, refugee and Asylum Seeker Health

What changes were introduced to the Migration Amendment 2026?

Arrival control power (can temporarily halt travel for entire groups).

TSMIT increase

VISA application charges

Permanent Migration caps

What is a Migrant?

A person who has chosen to emigrate to Australia and obtained a visa prior to arrival.

What is a Refugee?

A person who is outside their own country and is unable or unwilling to return.

Well founded fear of being prosecuted for race, religion, nationality, membership, political opinion.

What is an Asylum Seeker?

A person who has applied for a refugee protection via and is awaiting a decision.

What is Australia's stance on Asylum Seekers?

Immigration detention in Australia is indefinite. There is no limit in law or policy to the length of time for which a person may be detained.

What factors come with re-settling in Australia?

Seperation from family, friend, culture. (Survivors guilt).

Language and culture barriers.

Homeless

Lack of food or basic needs.

No access to Medicare

No or very low income

Lack of meaningful employment

Long processing times

Stigma from locals.

What health issues can arise for Refugees?

Nutritional deficiencies

Infections

Skin infections

Hearing, vision and oral health issues

Poor immunisation rates.

What health issues can arise for specifically female Refugees?

Often victims of rape,, STDs, limited access to contraceptives or prenatal care.

What mental health issues can arise for Refugees? What is trauma?

Trauma from deeply disturbing experience.

Forced separation, being victims or witnessing torture.

Sexual assault

Mock execution

Imprisonment, confinement

Illness or death in the family.

What is the presentation and symptoms of mental health crisises for refugees?

Depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, loss of appetite, poor sleep, difficulties with memory.

Suicidal ideation

How can trauma affect children who are refugees?

Learning and behavioural problems.

Poor appetite and sleep

Psychosomatic symptoms

Enuresis and encopresis

Low self esteem.

What is trauma informed care?

Is about services recognising the effects that trauma can play on a persons mental health, and providing services and support that suit the needs of someone who has experienced trauma. It is also about services learning to work with a persons strengths, rather than focusing simply on the persons mental illness

What is tuberculosis?

Caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Transmitted by human to human spread of droplets.

Highly contagious

How does tuberculosis present?

May not be symptomatic

Cough, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever, night sweats.

How is tuberculosis treated?

antibiotics

Ensure PPE

What is hepatitis B?

Blood borne DNA virus present in serum, saliva, semen and vaginal secretions.

How does hepatitis B present?

Fever

Jaundice

Dark urine

Fatigue

Abdominal pain

Malaise

Life threatening liver failure

Prolonged symptoms.

What is hepatitis C?

A viral disease that can cause inflammation of the liver, fever, nausea, poor appetite, joint pain, and headaches. Transmitted through bodily fluids. No working vaccine. Commonly becomes chronic.

How does hepatitis C present?

Usually asymptomatic

Like Hep B, can progress to cirrhosis.

What is HIV?

human immunodeficiency virus. Transmitted via blood, breast milk, semen, and mucosa.

How does HIV present?

Development of antibodies (seroconversion).

Can be asymptomatic.

Swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes / lesions, severe unintentional weight loss.

How is HIV treated?

Suppressed by a combination Anti-retroviral treatment.

Does not cure but suppresses.

What are intestinal parasites?

Common infection in children in crowded environment- day care

Giardiasis (protozoa)

Pinworm (found in warm climates)

Could be asymptomatic, could cause death.

Causing GI bleeds, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, reduced absorbtion.

What is female circumcision? What are the complications?

Traditional practice in some parts of Africa.

No health benefits.

Recurrent UTIS, generalised tenderness, cysts, scarring, anxiety and depression.

What communication factors should be considered for refugees?

Health outcomes could be compromised due to communication.

Active listening is important!

What non verbal behaviours are important to use?

Non verbal communication is super important (Smile, avoid multitasking, be aware of yourself).

Be aware of your age, gender and cultural background.

When should interpreters be used? And what are the benefits?

ALWAYS USE! do not just use family/friends. You could use them in absolute emergency, but if its going to be a prolonged conversation, call interpretor, you may need to ask questions family dont feel comfortable translating.

Is Medicare eligible for asylum seekers?

Yes, some are but depends on numerous factors.

Those not still are legally entitled to receive health services.