Days like these are why we do what we do.
One of our lawyers recently shared the life-changing news with an Ethiopian client, Jewel, that her son’s visa had been approved, and that he can now travel to Australia and live here permanently. Study. Work. Plan a future free from the vice grip of war and fear of persecution.
Despite her limited English, the tears of joy needed no translation. Their years-long ordeal will soon be over.
Separated through no choice of her own, Jewel made the heartbreaking decision to leave her then-one year old Ermias with his grandmother and make the long journey to Sudan to escape ethnic violence. After years in a refugee camp, Jewel eventually found refuge in Tasmania.
Five years ago, almost immediately after setting foot in Tasmania, Jewel walked through our door seeking to reconnect with Ermias.
The journey has been long and slow. Helping Jewel navigate a system she didn’t understand. Waiting for the wheels of bureaucracy to turn. Bungled DNA testing in Ethiopia. The unending complexities and demands of immigration law.
Her experience was a nightmare. Without free legal support from TRLS, it is highly unlikely Jewel would have seen Ermias ever again.
But see him she will – Ermias is due to arrive in Tasmania soon.
Can you imagine the scenes of unbridled joy at the airport?
* While Jewel and Ermias’ story is real, we have changed their name and used a stock photo to protect their identity.