Limbo Hell - "punitive Removal visa" for Ali al Janabi

Response from Robin de Crespigny Author of the "People Smuggler"

 Dear Judy

Thank you for your kind response to reading The People Smuggler. 

Sadly, Ali's situation is the same as it was at the end of the book. He remains on a punitive Removal visa that can send him back to Iraq any day. It is tragic that after bringing his family and so many others to safety and a new life, any day he could be returned to a place where he will most likely be killed - many of Saddam's regime are still around, and after the work Ali did in the Resistance against Saddam, want revenge. 

The book has generated a ground-swell of supporters and letters to the Immigration Minister but now with the new government's brutal policies on asylum seekers there is no way of knowing where it will go. Meanwhile Ali remains in what he calls 'Limbo Hell'. Of particular torment is not being able to see his daughter for over 10 years. 

Here is hoping a positive outcome will not be too fare away for Ali, but it is not looking very hopeful at this time.

Thanks again for the support from Rural Australians for Refugees based in Bellingen/Nambucca Valley. It is nice to hear from you.

Best
Robin
Robin de Crespigny
Author ‘The People Smuggler’