Aaren Azhar is a 32-year-old international student from Malaysia, and in 2017, with his parent's support, he started a degree in hospitality at Box Hill TAFE.
He's scheduled to complete his course in 2021 but two weeks ago lost his job at a club in Melbourne's CBD.
"It's all just gone down with the drain. That's it. Like it's the end for me" he told The Feed.
Aaren now has no source of income and his parents are unable to send him any more money. Now, he's cutting back meals.
"I just eat some biscuits and make do with that," he said.
Aaren's empty fridge. Source: The Feed
With only $200 left in his account, Aaren must find a job or he'll fall short on rent day.
"I'm just concerned about having a roof over my head," Aaren said.
"Even if I lose [weight], like if I go skin and bones, I think I'm okay as long as I have a roof over my head."
The federal government announced on Sunday that temporary visa holders, including international students who have lived in Australia for more than a year, will be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year, as non-essential services are shut down.
In a statement, acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves under the new government policies over the next six months are strongly encouraged to return home.
"Temporary visa holders are extremely valuable to the Australian economy and way of life, but the reality is that many Australians will find themselves out of work due to the dual health and economic crisis we're currently facing and these Australians and permanent residents must be the Government's number one focus," Mr Tudge said.
However, Aaren will be unable to submit an application for his accrued superannuation until 20th April.
In the meantime, he’s completed a rental hardship form in the hopes that his landlord will delay his rent until he can afford it. First he will need to find a new job.
The prospect of moving back to Malaysia would mean not being able to finish the rest of his course. Aaren fears becoming a burden on his parents if he returns without completing his studies.
"I feel like maybe in a way, I let them down," he said.
Matt Kunkel is the Director of the Migrant Workers Centre in Melbourne, and has been working closely with unemployed migrants since the outbreak.
"I think this is the most reckless act of a government in my lifetime to leave 1.1 million temporary migrant workers, like Aaren out in the cold," Kunkel said.
"This government is really abandoning him to the threats of debt, disease and destitution."
The Migrant Workers Center is lobbying the government to extend it's wage subsidy to all people, not just unemployed Australians.
Aaren is looking into accessing his superannuation but without work, his funds are unlikely to buy him much time.
"It's unfortunate that, you know, this has happened. We just need a little bit of support," he said.
"Just until this thing blows over, and we can get back on our feet."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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