An Afghan man, referred to as Ali for privacy reasons, has found himself in a precarious situation after waiting seven years for an Australian humanitarian visa.

His lengthy wait followed his service with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Afghanistan, where he worked as a labourer and later as an interpreter.

Between 2009 and 2013, he served in the Uruzgan province and Tarin Kowt, assisting Australian military operations.

In March 2025, Ali and his family traveled from Afghanistan to Iran, where they were granted a Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 201) in mid-May. The news brought immediate joy to him and his family, who felt a sense of safety upon arriving in Iran.

However, their relief was short-lived as conflict erupted in the region, resulting in heightened fears for their safety.

Ali expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing violence, stating that the sounds of gunfire and explosions have become a disturbing part of their daily lives.

The family is currently seeking assistance from the Australian government to facilitate their departure from Iran, emphasizing the dangers they would face if they were to return to Afghanistan.

Currently, airspace closures in Israel and Iran, along with restrictions in neighboring Iraq, have complicated the situation further.

Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport remains closed until further notice, affecting many families trying to escape conflict zones.

In response to the situation, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the distress experienced by families within the region.

Wong indicated that efforts are underway at the crisis center to develop plans for assistive departures, contingent on the reopening of airspace and safety conditions.

Ali's family fears for their safety, with Ali firmly stating that returning to Afghanistan would place their lives at significant risk.

He has appealed to the Australian government for urgent assistance, hoping for a swift resolution that could facilitate their relocation to Australia.