In a significant stride towards community solidarity, Bhutanese Australians have unveiled the Druk Support Network, a grassroots initiative aimed at mitigating the multifaceted challenges faced by Bhutanese residents across the country.
Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Druk Support Network seeks to provide both immediate assistance and sustainable solutions in critical areas such as financial management, mental health services, and immigration pathways. The initiative underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring that every Bhutanese individual in Australia feels respected, supported, and empowered.
“The establishment of Druk Support Network is a testament to our resilience and unity,” said Chimmi Dorji, President of the Association Bhutanese in Perth Incorporated (ABPI). “We are here to bridge gaps and create a robust support system that addresses both urgent needs and long-term aspirations of our community members.”
The Bhutanese diaspora in Australia, estimated to number between 15,000 and 17,000 in Perth alone, has been navigating a host of challenges. Recent alterations to Australia’s visa policies have particularly impacted Bhutanese migrants over the age of 35, restricting their ability to transition to graduate visas and leaving many in uncertain positions once their student visas lapse. This policy shift has disrupted the lives of Bhutanese who have invested considerable time and resources into building their futures Down Under.
“These visa changes have placed a heavy burden on our community,” Dorji explained. “Many of our members have dedicated years to their education and careers here, only to find themselves without a clear path to permanent residency.”
The network is set to address these pressing issues through a series of workshops and stakeholder consultations. The inaugural brainstorming session held on November 30 brought together migration experts, local businesses, and recruitment professionals to devise strategies aimed at easing visa-related challenges, especially for those aged over 35. Following this, an open day solution workshop will connect community members with experts and businesses to collaboratively develop actionable plans addressing financial stability, employment opportunities, and immigration hurdles.
Beyond immigration woes, the Bhutanese community in Australia grapples with significant financial strain and mental health concerns. Many Bhutanese students face daunting debts while juggling limited work hours under stringent visa restrictions. “Finding suitable employment is incredibly challenging,” shared a Bhutanese student who arrived in Australia in February. “Most employers prefer full-time staff, making it hard for students like me to secure jobs that fit within visa-imposed work hours.”
Balancing academic responsibilities with long commutes and part-time work further exacerbates stress levels. Another student recounted, “I once had to attend an exam and then rush to work three hours away, covering over 70 kilometers. It was exhausting and left little time for rest.”
Financial pressures extend to university fees, rent, and unexpected medical expenses. Hospital stays can cost up to AUD 2,800 per night, placing immense strain on families already struggling to make ends meet. These compounded stresses have unfortunately led to tragic outcomes, with Perth recording three Bhutanese deaths in 2024, including two suspected suicides linked to financial and emotional distress.
Domestic issues, such as an increase in divorce rates, further compound the challenges faced by Bhutanese Australians. In response, the ABPI and the Druk Support Network are prioritizing the creation of a comprehensive support system. “We are actively working with education consultancy firms to address visa refusals and are committed to educating prospective migrants about the potential challenges they might encounter,” Dorji added.
The Druk Support Network’s efforts aim to foster a resilient and interconnected Bhutanese community in Australia. By providing essential resources and facilitating open dialogues, the network aspires to transform adversity into opportunities for growth and empowerment.
As the Bhutanese community continues to navigate the complexities of life in Australia, initiatives like the Druk Support Network offer a beacon of hope, signaling a united front against the obstacles that lie ahead.
