By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
“IT has closed the door on hope.”
Afghan asylum seeker Ali Khan Ahmadi spoke with the passion of a young man who has travelled thousands of kilometres over 15 years through dire human circumstances.
He left Afghanistan aged nine in the face of ethnic persecution, living in a dangerous Pakistani refugee camp for 13 years before embarking on the risky boat journey to Christmas Island.
“Seeking asylum is everyone’s right. It has been taken away,” he said simply.
Mr Ahmadi said changes to the Federal Government’s asylum seeker policy, resettling boat arrivals in Papua New Guinea, had affected resettled refugees in Geelong.
“People here already feel helpless,” he said.
“Refugees are only seeking refuge, it’s been happening for hundreds of years. They take the risk because this way they think there is some hope.
“I know of 10 of the people who came with me by boat who are still waiting for family, to be reunited.
“I know of people whose families are on the way or are planning to come by boat, to be together again.
“Families are missing each other, children are growing. The longer it takes the more they miss out on those years,” he said.
“It affects them mentally. They have to keep busy to keep their mind off it.
“Those who have a job are healthier and can cope better.”
Mr Ahmadi said he had two applications for his brothers and sisters to join him refused. He is applying again.
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