Afghani, Iranian refugees hope to call Bega Valley home

Asylum seekers Reza Poya and Ahmad of Afghanistan, along with Mahdi of Iran, recently visited the area for a break from living in Dandenong, Melbourne, but also to try to find employment.  

The three are on bridging visas and Mr Poya said since he arrived in Australia two-and-a-half years ago he has not been able to work.

"Refugees don't want to stay home and receive money from Centrelink," Mr Poya said.

"They like to work and want to pay tax to the government." 

The Liberal Government holds the position that no refugee who arrives in Australia by boat will be granted permanent residency, a stance Mr Poya described as unfair.  

"Many Australians came to the country by boat in the past," Mr Poya said.

"The government should cancel everyone's visas." 

He also hit out at the government's decision to keep asylum seekers in detention, saying those asylum seekers become depressed.

"A detention centre is like a jail," Mr Poya said.

"[The asylum seekers] have not committed a crime.

"They are coming to Australia to be safe, to be protected." 

Conversely, Mahdi agreed with sending asylum seekers to detention, but said their claims needed to be processed faster. 

"If they don't keep people in detention centres, too many boats will arrive in Australia," Mahdi said.

"I think the government is trying to do things to make Australia better, but the process is very slow." 

When asked why Muslim refugees seek asylum in predominantly Christian countries, Mahdi said most people currently fleeing Iraq and Syria go to Europe as Arabic countries are supporting their enemies.

"If you had to leave Australia, would you go somewhere where your life will be better or somewhere where your life will be worse?" he said.

"Of course you will choose a country that is the same or better than your own."