(3/4) Six months after arriving in Melbourne, I was called from my room at 9:00 in the morning. I had just woken up so I was shocked, and I didn’t know what was going to happen. My case manager said, Bashir you look very worried and I said, I am worried, I’m very tired, I’m exhausted of being here in this place. Then she turned around and opened her briefcase and brought out a piece of paper and said, Congratulations, you’ve been accepted as a refugee, and you now have your permanent residency. That was one of the best days of my life, I will never forget that day, never.
Two weeks later, I was released from the detention centre, and that was another one of the best days of my life. The other was the day I got my citizenship, these are the three days I will never forget.
They sent me to Brisbane because there was an organisation there that specialised in looking after boys like me. When I got off the plane, I felt I had freedom in my hand. It was a fresh day, there had been a little bit of rain, and I thought – I am going to enjoy every moment of this day. A guy called Zahir met me at the airport, and took me to the home where I met the other boys, and we talked about the dark days we had all been through together. Then I said to Zahir, tomorrow you have to enrol me in the school. And he said, Bashir, I need to register you with Centrelink, to open a bank account for you, and to organise a medicare card for you. The day after that I will enrol you in the school, OK? But I said, can’t we enrol in the school first and then do the other things later? He said, you’re really in a hurry to go to school, aren’t you? And I said, yes!
Bashir
Afghanistan
Arrived 2010
#refugees #migrants #migration #Australia #Australianstories
WELCOME!!!
This story just keeps getting better.
So humbling to hear your story Bashir. I can only imagine what you have experienced as a refugee and then the uncertainty of those long days and nights in detention- I can see you do not let the past define who you are.
May the years ahead be full of opportunities, health and happiness for you and all those like you. Best wishes for the future! Australia is lucky to have you.
Congratulations for being so positive….life will throw everything it has at you but it’s how you throw it back that makes a difference. I wish you every Happiness and success in your new life. May everyday be filled with knowledge, adventure and Living your Dreams.
I’m loving reading about your life here Bashir and I have so much respect for you.
😀
Cannot wait for part 4, Bashir.
Whereas when my husband and I wanted to immigrate I saw the officer write “white” on our form and in we got. I was shocked! Such racism.
Such an amazing story, i can’t even imagine what it felt like to be accepted into the country and feel safe, and feel basic freedoms. I still hear so many negative comments from people over here about immigration, and they bitch and moan. They don’t even stop to consider how life changing it can be and what a gift it is to provide people like this a new life. It’s just as wonderful to see all the positive comments attached to this story. Congratulations, and i hope one day your family can stay here too and share in this life 🙂
Bashir you are amazing and we are lucky to have you as a fellow Australian, well done all your hard work and struggles will pay off, i wish you a beautiful life.
Well done keep the dream alive
Well done brother to think of education as your priority and not anything else. Wish you a bright future insha allah.
Thank you for sharing your story Bashir. I wish you and your family all the very best!
Bashir, I’m so, so glad you were released from detention and now live free, all the best for your future, I’m sure it will be bright!
Goosebumps! We are lucky to have you here, Bashir.
Hope next day be the day you meet love of your life here soon bashir! Be omide oon rooz
Thank you your story bought tears to my eyes
Bashir, we’re lucky to have you here. Welcome.
Bashir so proud of your attitude and priorities good luck in all your future endeavours !
You
Just showed what NON WHITES are capable of !!!
Great priorities you have. So glad you made it here
Sameer Noorzai he then proceeded to open a bakery at…….
Bless your brave heart Bashir. So wonderful to read of a dream being realised. I taught boys like you in Nauru and I keep hope in my heart that their dreams come true too, sooner rather than later.
I’m so glad for you Bashir. Wishing you joy, friendship, opportunity, education, employment and a good life in Australia.
How very wonderful to have you here Bashir.
Welcome to Australia mate, you Already do you new Country Proud just with your Attitude. ????????