The Afghan diaspora in Australia is grappling with uncertainty as the future of the Afghan embassy in Canberra remains unclear. This situation has left many feeling vulnerable, with key questions about the embassy’s operations still unanswered.
Located in Deakin, Canberra, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan stands as a pale building behind a closed gate, a symbol of the current diplomatic limbo.
“Even if they wish to provide documents, what’s the use if they’re not accepted? They simply can’t issue them,” remarked Ali Sarwari, CEO of Bamyan. He expressed the community’s frustration and concern over the embassy’s precarious status.
“This feels like the second fall of Afghanistan for us. We’ve already lost our homeland, and now we face uncertainty in what we consider our second home,” added a member of the Afghan community.
Independent Senator Fatima Payman has also voiced her concerns, advocating for Afghans in Australia and urging clarity on the embassy’s future to address the community’s distress.
Independent senator Fatima Payman has expressed concerns on behalf of Afghans in Australia. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
“Under no circumstances, any Afghan across the country will support this idea of letting this happen.”
Unanswered questions
Currently, the only way to access document services is through a Taliban delegate.
“The Taliban are a violent and oppressive regime that basically breach human rights on a daily basis,” she said.
