Afghan refugee Haji Alizada “blessed” to become an Australian citizen

Haji Alizada fled Afghanistan as a 16-year-old — and now 13-years later as a uni graduate, businessman and father, he has become an Australian citizen.

Haji Alizada with son Amir 14 months. Haji recently became an Australian citizen after fleeing Afghanistan. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

For Haji Alizada, who as a 16-year-old left his family in Afghanistan fleeing alone on a fishing boat, becoming an Australian citizen means “freedom”.

Described by Tasmanian Greens senator Nick McKim as a “courageous and ethical young man” he was one of 45 people from 15 different countries who became citizens at a ceremony at Glenorchy on Tuesday night.

Former Tasmanian education minister and now senator Nick McKim and his friend Haji Alizada. Picture: Supplied.

Now a university graduate, businessman and father of two sons, Mr Alizada, 29, says he feels “blessed” that Tasmania is his home.

“My story is the story of thousands of other refugees and asylum seekers around the world,” he said.

“The hunger of the poor, the fear of war, the homeless seeking shelter.

“These stories need to be heard, to eliminate negative ideas, racism and misunderstanding towards people who are seeking refuge around the globe.

“I believe being an Australian means you have equal rights and freedom as everyone else, no matter the colour of your skin, the religion you believe in and where you have come from or were born here.

“I also believe that the values of compassion respect, courage and kindness are at the heart of our national identity, and they remain the foundation of our national success.

“There is always room for kindness and compassion if we look deeper into our hearts.”

New Australian citizen Haji Alizada with his two young sons Zaki John, 9, and Amir John 14 months. Picture: Supplied.

He describes his teenage years before he left Afghanistan as “full of trouble and fear”.

“War was just a part of everyday life: bombs were exploding, friends and family were dying.

“Especially being from Hazara ethnic, it was perilous, because we are a minority of low status.”

He credits his success in Tasmania in part to getting a University of Tasmania scholarship to study where he was able to complete a BA with honours in international relations and politics.

Mr Alizada has a successful export business and despite the challenges, including being stabbed 16 times by a man who was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity, he says he has met wonderful people.

“I do not think that someone would leave his land, families, friends and country, unless his or her life is in danger.

“For most refugees, leaving was the last option, like me leave or join the Taliban who have abandoned and deprived Afghan women of their basic human rights, it is catastrophic to see what is happening in Afghanistan.”

Senator Nick McKim was proud to be alongside Haji Alizada when he became an Australian citizen at a ceremony at Glenorchy on Tuesday night. Picture: Supplied.

Haji Alizada with son Amir 14 months. Haji recently became an Australian citizen after fleeing Afghanistan. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Alizada met Senator McKim in 2013 when he was education minister kicking a soccer ball at New Town.

“We have been very good friends since, I believe he is a very generous man with a big heart who truly cares about others,” he said.

Senator McKim says the pair “bonded pretty much straight away”.

“We’ve shared Christmas lunch, and spent plenty of good times together with long and meaningful conversations. I’ve had the privilege of watching him flourish and succeed,” he said.

“Haji is an intelligent and determined young man with impeccable values.

“Being with his family as he became an Australian citizen was joyful and moving.

“His journey has been long and dangerous, but he’s finally officially an Australian.

“I’m certain he’ll make a real and lasting contribution to our country. Haji and his family have become part of ours. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey said 260 residents had become Australian citizens this year.

“Council is thrilled that each of these people have chosen to make Glenorchy their home and we welcome them to our city.”