Emil’s Story

Emil* arrived in Australia alone in 2002, fleeing religious persecution in his home country. 

When he reached out to RACS for support in applying for protection, the lawyers working on his case believed the evidence for Emil was strong and clear.  

Unfortunately, the legal system disagreed. His application was refused by the Department of Home Affairs.  

In order to progress to another application, RACS needed to compile additional evidence and witness accounts, which helped Emil appeal the decision by the Department. 
 
Finally, he was granted a permanent protection visa. 

“It was an incredible feeling. I cannot explain right now how I was feeling. There was a bit of tears in my eyes when I heard. I remember my RACS lawyer gave me some tissues.”

When Emil first reached out to RACS, no one knew that 15 years later, Emil's father Hassan* would also escape their home country and arrive in Australia. He was reunited with his son and met the grandchildren he'd never seen. 

Emil knew there was a long road ahead to find safety for his father. He introduced Hassan to RACS, where a new generation of lawyers listened to his story of persecution and helped him apply for a protection visa. 

After a long and anxious wait, Hassan was recognised as a refugee and granted a permanent protection visa.  

“My sentiments to the people on my case for the kind of help they gave me. They remain in my heart. There are a lot of prayers for the staff of RACS – I will not forget,” Hassan said.  

RACS is grateful to Emil and Hassan for sharing their stories. 

*Names in this story have been changed for privacy. 

  • Afsaneh

    RACS first met Afsaneh at one of our outreach events in Western Sydney, back in early 2017. It had already been several years since she had arrived in Australia and she was still in limbo.

    Afsaneh's story

  • Aisha

    Aisha*, living as a persecuted minority in her country, was granted a humanitarian visa and fled to Australia on her own. But after years of building a life here under the protection she was granted, Aisha’s status was abruptly deemed unlawful. Distressed about her situation, Aisha contacted RACS for help.

    Aisha's story

  • Ali

    At just 16 years old, Ali Haidari arrived in Australia alone, having fled his home country of Afghanistan. Ali was determined to build a future in Australia, but he understood that would be impossible without first being granted a protection visa.

    Ali's story

  • Emil

    Emil arrived in Australia alone in 2002, after fleeing religious persecution in his home country. When he reached out to RACS for support in applying for protection, he didn’t know that same support that would extend to another family member, many years later.

    Emil's story

  • Jeanine

    When Jeanine fled her home country in East Africa, she became separated from her two sons. After reaching out to RACS, she was granted a permanent visa and from there, was able to apply to be reunited with her children in Australia.

    Jeanine's story

  • Maggie

    Maggie was born and grew up in Sierra Leone. As a soccer-loving student with big dreams, Maggie decided to forge a path in sports journalism.

    As she was maturing into a professional and empowered individual, she became involved in advocating for the health of women and girls.

    Maggie's story

  • Maryam

    Maryam and her family arrived in Australia in 2012. With no protection, no support and no finances, the family’s situation seemed bleak. Read more to hear how RACS was able to assist Maryam to gain permanent safety in Australia.

    Maryam's story

  • Mohsen

    When Mohsen fled Iran in his early twenties, he didn’t expect to spend the next two years of his life detained on Christmas Island.

    “There were lots of ups and down in that period,” he said. “But we were safe.”

    Mohsen's story