Ali's Story

For over a decade, thousands of refugees in Australia have been trapped in limbo. Ali is one of those people.

Ali* was born in Malaysia to parents who had fled persecution more than two decades before. “The police could do whatever they liked,” Ali recalls. His father endured regular harassment and torture, forced to work long hours for low wages while trying to protect his family. As a stateless family, living in constant fear and with no legal protection, Ali’s family risked everything to seek safety in Australia.

At just 10 years old, Ali arrived in Australia after a harrowing journey by sea. The boat trip was life-threatening—crowded, under-resourced, and terrifying. When a whirlpool nearly pulled them under, it was only a miraculous shift in the water’s course that saved their lives. His younger sister became critically ill, and there were moments when her life hung in the balance. “The main driver wanted to throw her into the ocean,” Ali remembers. “My uncle and others on board all came to protect her.” Eventually, the Navy rescued them, bringing them to Darwin where Ali’s mother, who was also sick, was immediately taken to hospital.

Starting over in Australia was desperately hard. There was disorientation, confusion, and hunger. But the family was met with kindness—by neighbours who shared meals, a newly discovered cousin who lived nearby, and caseworkers who began to help them navigate a new life. A referral to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) introduced them to Brigid and Libby, who offered practical support and a sense of welcome.

Ali now lives in Melbourne, where three things keep him hopeful and grounded: his religion, his studies in social work, and soccer. “With my study, it gives my life a direction and purpose. I can focus on goals I want to reach.” Inspired by those who helped him, he hopes to support others through their challenges. “I want to give back to the community, perhaps working in a hospital or a school,” he says. “I believe in respecting whoever the person is and their culture.”

Ali’s story is one of courage and hope—but his future is still uncertain. Like thousands of others, he remains stuck on a temporary bridging visa. Every day in limbo strips people of dignity and the ability to rebuild their lives. No new laws are needed to fix this. The government already has the power to grant permanency to people like Ali. It’s a choice—between justice and politics. Between compassion and delay.

If we believe in a fair go for all, we must act. As churches across the country, we say #EndTheWaiting. Jesus said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). These words aren’t just meant for Sunday sermons—they should shape our policies.

It’s time to give Ali and thousands like him the future they’ve waited too long for. It is time to #EndTheWaiting

*Name changed for privacy.

Go Deeper

Common Grace and the National Council of Churches are calling Christian communities across Australia to join together in a powerful movement of prayer through the ‘100 Days to End the Waiting’ campaign. Over 100 days, from July - October 2025, communities throughout the country are invited to hold a peaceful prayer vigil outside MPs offices, praying for justice for people seeking asylum and calling to #EndTheWaiting for thousands of people who have sought safety on our shores but still remain in limbo, facing an uncertain future.

Find out more and sign up to host a prayer vigil here. 

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The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) provides hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum as well as advocating for the rights of asylum seekers. It was founded in 2001 by Brigidine nuns Sr Brigid Arthur and Sr Catherine Kelly. The Brigidines have been engaged in education and social justice in Victoria over 130 years. Their motto is 'Strength and kindness'.Find out more about the work of Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) here. 

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Please continue to join in prayer for refugees and people seeking asylum. Explore prayers for Justice for People Seeking Asylum here.