In 2007, Ms Farah Deeba, Dr. Tariq Anwar and their only son Rafid, aged 4 arrived in Australia. 

Both were internationally qualified, the former as a school teacher and the latter a medical practitioner. Subsequently, both gained relevant Australian qualifications, the former completed a Master’s from Latrobe University and the latter a Masters from Melbourne University. Farah started work as a Secondary School Teacher and was later promoted as ‘Head of Science’. She is also a STAV Council member, representing the state of Victoria, in promoting science education. Dr Tariq Anwar is a General Practitioner in Victoria for many years. His dedication to his patients and his compassionate approach to medicine has earned him their gratitude and devotion. 

Their only son Rafid, an autistic child, evolved and flourished in Australia’s inclusive and nurturing community, leading to his successful graduation from a special school in Victoria. Rafid is a non-verbal autistic child, requiring iPad/PEC tools to communicate with others. Otherwise, he is fit and an independent person, able to go about his daily living with no to minimum assistance. Rafid loves swimming, cycling, playing basketball, socializing with friends and family members. 

With no financial support from the government, Farah and Tariq have managed Rafid’s autism and ensured his well-being since their migration to Australia. For them, nothing is more important than their son being raised in a country where he is treated like any other child, with the love and respect every child deserves. 

However, on 9 Aug 2021, their application for permanent residency was rejected. After living nearly 17 years in Australia, the immigration had rejected their application, purely and only because of their son’s condition with an assumption that it may incur significant burden to Australia. Their visa status/decision is currently under review by the immigration minister for a Ministerial Intervention.

For Farah, Tariq and Rafid, leaving Australia would mean: losing their home, their friends and their identity. Rafid as a person with autism, thrives on routine and familiarity. Uprooting him from his only safe haven would be especially an inhumane act of unnecessary cruelty. It is time to stand up against discrimination and fight for a better future for all. We cannot turn a blind eye to their very real threat of being forced to leave the only real home Rafid have ever known. We must speak up. As a community we must come together to offer our support and assistance. 

If you wish to make a difference to their lives, please join us in signing the online petition to help their plea to the Immigration Minister. Let us stand with them in their fight for justice and equality. Together, we can help this family to remain in Australia, their home.