“I want to get the hell out of this country.”
This sentiment takes us directly into the heart of Abdiwali’s predicament. After enduring a deeply traumatic event in 2014, Abdiwali contends his motivation for committing a significant crime was a desperate bid to be deported back to Somalia. A decision influenced by advice from his uncle suggested that such drastic measures might expedite his removal.
“I’m not proud of it. I hurt someone,” he reflects with regret.
What remained unreported until now, thanks to a confidentiality waiver provided by Abdiwali, is his status as a refugee. He furnished Stuff with extensive immigration documents explaining his journey to New Zealand in 2003. A 12-year-old navigating a new world as a UNHCR-recognized refugee.
However, complications arise; Abdiwali claims his refugee status hinges on inaccuracies. His actual surname isn’t included in the paperwork. Moreover, there’s a glaring discrepancy regarding his mother’s wellbeing—erroneously listed as deceased in his application despite being alive in Somalia. His assertion supported by a phone call involving himself, his lawyer, and an immigration officer.
“I want to straighten out my immigration papers, find work, and return home,” he expresses resolutely.
Acknowledging the complexities of his circumstances, Greig Young, head of Immigration New Zealand’s refugee status unit, states, “Mr. Abdiwali’s case is incredibly complex.” INZ recognizes discrepancies in both Abdiwali’s name and date of birth.
“But,” asserts Young, “individuals with refugee status can’t just be deported unless their status is formally revoked under the Immigration Act.”
The unique nature of Abdiwali’s case likely exempts him from having his refugee status annulled. Understanding Abdiwali’s age when arriving in New Zealand, only 12, means he isn’t accountable for certain misrepresentations in his documents. Accompanied by adults with ambiguous ties, he entered the country.
Yet, Young elaborates, “INZ can terminate an individual’s refugee status if their circumstances have significantly changed, removing the need for protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention.”
Furthermore, “INZ also holds the authority to deport under Article 33 of the Convention if someone is perceived as a community or national security threat,” he adds.
While INZ remains mum on whether Abdiwali is considered such a risk, they confirm active collaboration with him and his representative to explore viable immigration paths—a process fraught with complexity and demanding careful deliberation.
Amidst the trove of documents is a poignant photograph of a youthful Abdiwali—an emblem of untarnished innocence. Reflecting, he comments during a call, “See that boy? He’s the reason I want to go home. That will make me happy. I wish to share a meal with my family.”
With a sense of urgency, he continues, “I need to address my immigration issues and leave this country. Staying here isn’t my desire. It grieves me terribly to have hurt others.”
“I never chose to be in this position. My heart is truly back home,” he concludes, wistfully.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
