Useful questions for identifying a person who is an asylum seeker
Client confidentiality is very important; be sensitive to your environment and take measures to provide a private place to talk. Also, a qualified interpreter may be required if a client has low English language proficiency. Consider your non-verbal communication and do not ask questions in an interrogatory style.
A list of identification documents that people who are asylum seekers have can be found here: Asylum seeker identification
Prior to meeting the client:
- Who referred the client?
- Does the client have a caseworker and what organization are they from?
- What is the purpose of the referral?
- Does the client require an interpreter? If so, what language? Do they have preference for gender, ethnicity or religious group?
Questions for front of house staff:
“Do you need an interpreter?” (A phone interpreter can be organised for medical practitioners and their staff via the Doctor’s Priority Line 1300 131 450; hospitals and health centres may have in-house interpreting. It is important for reception staff to be aware of processes for booking interpreters.)
“Do you have a Medicare card?” (if yes, bulk-billing is suggested)
“Do you have a healthcare card?” (if yes, this person is not an asylum seeker)
“Do you have a caseworker?”, “What organisation is your caseworker from?” (see contact numbers here)
“Do you have a letter or other identification with you to help us understand your situation?”
A list of identification documents that people who are asylum seekers have can be found here: Asylum seeker identification
