13 Years in Limbo: Ghulam’s Journey for Freedom and Family

When Ghulam was forced to leave his wife and son, there was no knowing when they would be reunited again. A few months, maybe a year? He would never have guessed that 13 years later, he would still be separated from them. 

“For 13 years I have not seen my family – when I came here my child was so small – 7 years old, he is now 19 years old”

Ghulam is a Hazara who fled violence and persecution in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. He came to Australia in 2012 seeking peace, safety and freedom. Instead, he was locked up on Christmas Island by Australia’s tough and inhumane immigration system. 

Ghulam has spent more than a decade moving from one temporary visa to the next. He has lived without certainty, a pathway to permanency or the right to work and support himself.

The pain of being separated from one’s family, without hope of an end date, would be enough to break any parents heart. Living in a constant state of uncertainty has seriously impacted Ghulam’s physical and mental health. 

“My life has been hard, but my darkest days started when I arrived in Australia,” Ghulam says. “I miss my family. My heart breaks to be apart from them.”

Although he has constantly faced hurdles and hardship, Ghulam jumped at the opportunity to join the ASRC’s CAP Program.

Ghulam is now taking charge of his story, using his experiences to actively change the course for other refugees and people seeking asylum still suffering under the shame of the Australian immigration system. 

“CAPP gave me the skills and confidence to speak in public and use my voice,” he says. “I hope someone will hear my voice and understand what is going on. I hope I can end this limbo that people like me are living.”  

When the ASRC powers voices of lived experience, we unlock the key to creating lasting social and policy change. Who better than those who have been so impacted by the system, to lead the charge for refugee issues??

This September, a donation to the ASRC’s September Appeal will help provide leadership opportunities to more people like Ghulam, ready to use their experiences to help others like him.