Mahsa Mazaheri's daily routine is a constant battle against uncertainty and fear. As an Iranian refugee in Australia, her temporary bridging visa, which expires every six months, is a constant source of anxiety. The prospect of being separated from her husband and two young daughters looms large, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of her situation.
Her story is one of resilience and determination, but it also highlights the cruel and senseless policies that have caused immeasurable harm to thousands of people and their families. Australia's offshore processing policy has left many like Mazaheri in a state of perpetual limbo, unable to plan for the future or make long-term commitments.
The Human Rights Law Centre estimates that over 700 refugees are in a similar situation, living in Australia with no permanency and no clear path to a permanent visa. This is despite many having built lives and families in the country, contributing to the fabric of Australian society.
Mazaheri's situation is particularly poignant. She and her mother arrived in Australia by boat in 2013 and were sent to offshore detention centers, where their time felt like "time in jail." However, they were medically evacuated to mainland Australia in 2014 due to her mother's deteriorating health.
Since then, they have been in visa limbo, with no pathway to permanent residency. This has had a profound impact on their lives, including their ability to access healthcare and make long-term plans. The constant reapplication for temporary visas has been emotionally taxing, with no guarantee of success.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Mazaheri's husband, who arrived in Australia a few days after her, was not transferred to offshore detention due to inconsistent application of government policy. He was later granted Australian citizenship, and their two daughters, who were added to his application, are now Australian citizens.
However, this bittersweet outcome highlights the unfairness of the system. While her husband and daughters have been granted permanent safety, Mazaheri remains in a state of uncertainty, unable to leave the country or make long-term plans. The bridging visa she holds has limitations on work and study, and she is subject to a conduct of behavior policy, which further restricts her freedom.
The Human Rights Law Centre, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, and advocacy group GetUp are petitioning Immigration Minister Tony Burke to grant permanent residency to the refugees in limbo. They argue that the current system is cruel and senseless, and that it is time for the government to abandon these policies and provide the protection these people have sought for over 13 years.
In the meantime, Mazaheri continues to navigate her daily routine, a constant battle against uncertainty and fear. Her story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of these policies and the need for a more compassionate and just approach to immigration and refugee status.
