From war-torn Sudan to a life in limbo in Australia
When war broke out in Sudan last year, Tariq* and his family were forced to flee. As highly educated medical professionals, Tariq and his wife believed their skills would be valued in Australia, and that they could build a life in safety here.
Instead, their visitor visas left them unable to work, their children unable to study and the family unable to access essential services for many months. Without an income, they couldn't rent a home.
While their transition to bridging visas allows them to work, Tariq has only been able to find casual work in a factory, despite his postgraduate qualifications and fluency in English. His wife has faced obstacles to sit for her pharmacy exams so she can work as a pharmacist here, something she was already qualified to do in Sudan.
While others fleeing conflicts have been granted temporary and permanent humanitarian visas, Tariq’s family have been left in limbo, uncertain of their future in Australia and unable to return to Sudan.
The way we treat people forced to flee their homes should be fair, consistent and equitable. With your help, it can be.
*Because Tariq and his family are awaiting a decision on their protection claim, we’ve changed his name to protect their identities.