"It's so sad that people aren't treated as human just because of immigration status."
A Life Unseen: The Death of Bikram Lama
Bikram Lama, a former international student from Nepal, was found dead outside St James train station in central Sydney. His body had been there for six days and had decomposed to such an extent that authorities required DNA, dental records, and fingerprints to identify him. He had been living on the streets and had lost contact with his family.
His family sold farmland to fund his Australian university studies. He struggled with rising costs and failed to renew his passport in 2023.
A Hidden Crisis: Homeless Non-Residents in Australia
Bikram's story is not an isolated tragedy. Across Australia, non-citizens without permanent residence—including international students and women fleeing arranged marriages—are experiencing homelessness. Many are unable to return home or are awaiting visa decisions.
The 2026 NSW Street Count found 2,308 rough sleepers in NSW, a 5% increase. The City of Sydney estimates one in five rough sleepers are non-residents.
Stories of Vulnerability
Shree, a Nepalese woman, entered an arranged marriage and experienced domestic violence. Her husband cancelled her visa and left her homeless. She is now staying at a women's refuge.
The Women's & Girls' Emergency Centre reports that up to 50% of refuge residents are non-residents. CEO Nicole Yade said women often have no work permissions and are ineligible for social security.
Mohammad, a former international student from Bangladesh, became homeless after his working visa expired. He is now applying for asylum and has not told his family.
The System's Gap: No Safety Net
Matthew Talbot Hostel has seen an increasing number of international students. Non-residents receive emergency accommodation for three months but are not eligible for Centrelink or social housing.
James Newell (Matthew Talbot Hostel): "We will see more Bikrams. We will see more people die on the street" if income support is not provided.