We are a group of 15 refugee women of Tamil and Iranian backgrounds who were processed through the flawed Fast Track process introduced by the previous government. We were very happy to hear that the ALP agreed that it did not provide a fair, thorough and robust assessment process for persons seeking asylum.
When the ALP came into power on 21st May 2022, we celebrated knowing that our life in limbo for the past 10 years is about to change. We are humbly requesting the Albanese Labor Government grant us and other 10,000 plus refugees an opportunity to seek permanent protection under a fair process.
We women and our families are genuine refugees who have made significant contributions to our local communities and employment across many service sectors but do not have permanent visas enabling equal rights and access to essential social services for over a decade.
Our children do not have access to HECS to attain higher education in TAFE or University and many feel helpless. Though we have been law abiding, held jobs, paid taxes and contributed to the economy, we languish under temporary visa conditions. Our greatest concern is that we face an uncertain future and fear of being deported back to countries where we face persecution.
We are walking from Sydney to Parliament House Canberra to raise awareness about our visa situation. This is not a rally or protest; it is a walk together seeking support.
Here is a brief about each of us:
Kavya
Kavya came to Australia in 2013 as a teenager. She finished her high school in Sydney and was not able to attend university due to having to pay international student fee. Kavya has completed a TAFE Certificate IV course in Laboratory Skills. Kavya is married now and has 2 daughters aged 3 1/2 years and a baby born in July 2023. Her newborn baby hasn’t got a visa yet and doesn’t have Medicare Card.
Sahar
Sahar, her husband and their two-year-old daughter arrived in Australia in 2013. Their son was born in Autralia. Sahar works as a Support Worker helping vulnerable Australians and her husband works in the building industry installing floors.
Fariba
Fariba and her daughter arrived in Australia 2012 to join their husband who is an Australian citizen. But because Fariba and her daughter arrived by boat, the husband is not able to sponsor them as a spouse/daughter migrants. Fariba’s husband has Stage 4 Cancer. Their daughter works as a support worker and now has a 9-year-old daughter born in Australia.
Maryam
Maryam, her husband, their daughter Shala who was 16 and son who was 12 arrived in Australia in 2012. Her husband and son work in the building industry. Their daughter is married to a NSW Police officer who is a citizen and they have two children born in Australia. Yet, the daughter Shala is not able to become a permanent resident as she arrived by boat.
Niranjana
Niranjana came to Australia in 2013 with her husband, daugther Najini then aged 6 and son Srihari then aged 2. Niranjana and her husband work as factory hands. Najini is studying Nursing at TAFE and wants to provide essential health care services to the community which has given her refuge. Her son is in year 8 and has consistently topped his class in Maths. He hopes to become an engineer if he is able to attend University.
Komathy
Komathy, her husband and their two sons aged 13 and 10 arrived in Australia in 2013. Their third son was born in Australia and is attending school. Komathy has a Diploma in Childcare and works as an Early Childhood Educator. Their oldest son has completed his Computer Science degree and the second son has completed his Certificate III In Mechanical Engineering. Due to the temporary nature of their visa, they are not able to secure permanent employment in the field of their qualifications.
Suganthiny
Suganthiny came to Australia in 2012 with her two daughters who were aged 12 and 2 1/2 years at that time. She is a widow after her husband was killed in Sri Lanka due to being a Tamil. Sukanthy has a Diploma in Childcare as well as Certificate III in Aged Care. She works as a early childhood educator during the day and a factory worker at night to make ends meet.
Vijitha
Vijitha and her husband came to Australia in 2011 with their son who was 7 and daugther aged 2.5. They had a daughter born in Australia in 2014. Vijitha owned a retail shop selling clothing and her husband had a barber shop. They had to give up their businesses when their refugee application was rejected through the Fast Track process.
Kamaleswary
Kamaleswary came to Australia 2013 with her husband and daughter Mary then aged 16 and son Amalraj then aged 10. Her husband is a Carpenter by Trade. Mary completed her HSC and then went to TAFE and completed Certificate IV in Aged Care and is working as a Carer in Aged Care looking after the elderly in Blacktown. Her son Amalraj completed his HSC, but at that point their visa had changed and is not eligible to pursue tertiary education.
Nirushidha
Jeyaranjini
Jeyaranjini came with her husband and 11-year-old son in 2012. Due to not having a permanent visa, their son is not able to pursue his education in mining operations. They do not have work rights or access to Medicare benefits since 2020. They also do not have access to any Centrelink benefits.
Jamila
Jamila, her husband and their son aged two came to Australia in 2013. They now have two Australian born children born in 2014 and 2015. Her husband works laying NBN cables.
Thushanthi
Thushanthi and her husband came to Australia in 2012. Their refugee application was rejected through the Fast Track process. Thushanthi was 7 months pregnant when she lost her baby. They own and operate a restaurant in Brisbane.
Ranjini
Ranjini came to Australia in 2010 with her husband and daughter Dhashika who was aged 5 at the time. Her son Hari and daughter Thisha were born in Australia. Dhashika is studying law at university on a scholarship. Ranjini and her husband are working full time.
Niruba
Niruba and her husband Vithi came to Australia in 2013 and had a son born in Australia in 2014. Vithi works in the construction industry. They visa application was rejected through the Fast Track process and they are currently on a bridging visa.
Refugee Women Walking for A Fair Go
Email: refugeewomenwalkfairgo@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/refugeewomenwalk
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