As an asylum seeker on a temporary visa, he's worked seven days a week in his job as a cleaner, and been thankful for the opportunity and freedom it's given him in a country that he and his wife Ponmani have called home for the last six years.

But his employer recently lost their cleaning contract with a major supermarket, and he's now unemployed, and as a temporary visa holder, isn't entitled to any government support.

To make matters worse, his wife Ponmani, who also worked as a cleaner, lost her position around the same time COVID-19 took hold, leaving the family on the brink of destitution.

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Arul has extended family living in Bathurst and is keen to stay here, but he he must find work to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.

He said he loved his job, and hopes there is someone out there who may have a job in cleaning going, which he could be considered for.

It's been eight weeks since he was stood down, and the pressure of trying to keep a roof over the head of his family is bearing down on him.

He's barely sleeping, he's stressed, and has been getting headaches.

"I'm really hoping there is someone who can help us," he said.

What ever small amount of savings the family once had is long gone, and it's only been the generosity of the local community which has kept them off the street.

An anonymous member of the Bathurst Refugee Support Group paid one month's rent for the family after the couple lost their job, the second month by the Sisters of Mercy. The third month will be paid for by the Refugee Support Group, with the assistance of an appeal held through the Catholic Church and the group's own network.

Ruth Schmid (committee member) Bathurst Refugee Support Group, who is working the with family said it was only through the generosity of the local community the family had survived the last two months.

She said she's hoping someone in the community might read Arul's story, and be able to help out with a job.

"He's been applying for work with the help of a support group member, and he wants desperately to get a job.

"Every time I speak to him he says to me 'Ruth I need a job'."

She said he is keen to do labouring or cleaning.

"He doesn't read or write (Arul taught himself to speak English when he came to Australia) but he does want to work," she said.

Ms Schmid described the Federal Government's lack of support as shameful, with Arul's situation just one example from thousands.