Embarking on a new life

Born in Iran under a religiously extreme regime, Albert fled from his homeland in 2013. He and his family finally found Christian Action's Centre for Refugees (CFR) in Chung King Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

The family found basic accommodation in Sham Shui Po, and has survived on food coupons. Since refugees are not allowed to work or volunteer, Albert could not pursue his business as a jeweler. Like the other 11,000 refugees waiting for their refugees status determination processes to be completed.

After waiting for over three and a half years, Albert and his family were finally given visas for Australia – and a new life. Albert burst into tears as we said farewell to the family. He said he will continue to support Christian Action even after they settle in Australia. I trust that God continues to lead them, and that they will soon regain their dignity.

Albert and his family are indeed blessed. Some cases here have dragged on for more than 12 years. Most of those applicants now suffer from declining mental health, depression, physical disabilities and even suicidal tendencies.

On 26 November, Christian Action engaged with LEGCO members Elizabeth Quat and Holden Chow. We wanted to bring the whole situation to the attention of the political parties and the lawmakers. We hope to see more transparency, and we want government’s provision of more training for immigration officers in order to avoid the transferring of cases to the judicial system. It would be sensible to set up a pledge to process refugees within a certain period of time, e.g. 2 years. It would also be good to allow a very limited number of say 150 cases to be granted the right to work. We want to see refugees empowered, engaged, valued and respected as members of society.