Fleeing the Taliban and the Threat of Deportation

The family’s journey began in Afghanistan, where they faced severe threats from the Taliban. After a dangerous escape across the border, they sought safety in Pakistan but were soon at risk of deportation back to the peril they fled.

Sanctuary Provides Critical Support

Their chance at safety came when they were approved for resettlement in Australia, but lack of airfare funding threatened their hope for a new life.

Fortunately, a refugee support group here (who heard about their situation from a relative) approached Sanctuary to request an interest-free travel loan for the family and this was quickly provided.

Sadly their father had died days before they received their visa approval.

The Family’s New Beginning in Canberra

Having fled the Taliban, they were so grateful to finally arrive in Canberra, where they were assisted to resettle by the community group there. They are so happy to have freedom and safety. 

“I don’t know what we would have done without Sanctuary Australia. Making freedom a reality for people who are basically enslaved. What a fantastic contribution to the sum of good in the world! Thankyou for your inspiration and hard work. You fill an otherwise unbridgeable gap in this whole sorry process.”

Robyn fetter, Canberra Volunteer

The family have suffered great mental distress and are slowly rebuilding their lives. The two sons were journalists in Afghanistan and are now working and studying nursing.

The family will gradually repay their airfare loan, and these funds will then be ‘recycled’ to rescue another refugee family who have been approved for an Australian visa.

They are happy and settling well, and and are lucky to have a caring community, a path forward and a good future!

To support families like these, please consider donating to Sanctuary Travel Loan Fund so that we can provide interest-free loans for more families approved for resettlement by the Australian Government.