The Family Reunion Circle (Circle 115) has another request to assist an Afghan family sheltering in Iran to come here to Adelaide to live in safety. The family is being sponsored under the Community Support Program (CSP). They have their visas after the Family Reunion Circle paid the final cost of their visa application ($7272) to Home Affairs. They now need the cost of the airfares as soon as they get their Immicards. The outstanding amount is $8500. You can help by making a donation to the Family Reunion Circle (115) via our secure GiveNow account.
Here is the background to this request from their pro bono lawyer and current sponsor, MM who writes:
“As I mentioned during our conversation, I am reaching out to seek help for a desperate family of four (husband, wife, and their two children) who are Hazara refugees currently residing in Iran. In November 2023, we submitted a humanitarian visa application under the Community Support Program (CSP) for this family with the assistance of an Australian friend who generously stepped in as their Sponsor. After considering the family’s extremely difficult circumstances, I agreed to assist them on a pro bono basis.
Although the CSP is a costly program, it represented the family’s only realistic chance of resettlement in Australia. To cover part of the expenses, they sold their most valuable possession, the wife’s gold jewellery received as wedding gifts. The remainder of the costs were promised by their Australian friend and Sponsor, who was deeply committed to helping them in honour of their long-standing friendship.
Tragically, this Sponsor recently passed away from cancer, leaving the family devastated and without support. Under CSP requirements, the application would have been refused unless a new Sponsor was urgently arranged. To ensure their application remained valid, I stepped in as Sponsor myself. However, the critical challenge that now remains is funding the outstanding expenses associated with their visa process.”
By way of background, this family has endured immense suffering under the Taliban. Yunus, the husband, was detained for a year and subjected to horrific torture, including burns to his limbs that caused lasting damage and required multiple surgeries. They face a high risk of harm under the Taliban.
Their Sponsor MM, has raised some of the cost of the air fares. About $8,500 remain. Can you help with a one off donation towards these air fares?
You can make your donation to the the Family Reunion Circle (115) via our secure GiveNow account. Please make sure to check the Family Reunion Circle on the donation page.
Monica O’Wheel, Family Reunion Circle