It likely went unnoticed by most travelling through Adelaide Airport, but for one family, it changed their world: a father who fled Iran to create a better life for his wife and daughter reunited with them after 15 years.
Michael’s arduous journey began when he fled the Middle Eastern nation in 2009, leaving behind his wife, Farahnaz, and 18-month-old daughter, Tiana, in search of a brighter future.
His first attempt to board a boat to Australia resulted in arrest in Indonesia, while his second attempt ended in tragedy when the boat sank, claiming the lives of 200 fellow passengers.
Michael miraculously survived, only to be intercepted by Australian coast patrol and placed into immigration detention on his third attempt to reach Australia.
Despite the setbacks and hardships, Michael remained resolute.
“Sometimes you have no choice, you do by force,” he said.
“And then in the future, what’s happening, you have to leave it in the hand of the God.”
Michael’s faith was eventually rewarded when he was granted a humanitarian visa.
He settled in Adelaide, re-training to work as a tradesman while patiently waiting for his lawyers to secure permanent residency for his wife and daughter.
The long-awaited moment finally came as Farahnaz and Tiana, now a teenage student who is aspiring to become a doctor, arrived at Adelaide Airport.
“I can’t say with words … it’s in my heart,” Tiana said.
Michael admitted that there were times when he doubted whether his efforts had been wasted, but said the joy of being reunited with his family made it all worthwhile.
“There’s many times in my life I’m thinking it’s not worth it… but now, it’s worth it,” he said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
