“I am from Pakistan. I’ve been living in Australia for almost fifteen years. 

Since 2014 I have been on a bridging visa. It's a long time, but hopefully soon it’s going to be alright. Recently one of my daughters got citizenship, so the prospects are bright that they will consider ours. If I could only see my family back home it would make it easier; it’s hard when you have parents living over there.

I was working in Woolworths distribution centre but I lost my job when they closed the centre. I came to ASRC for help and they said they had a job available at ASRC Cleaning if I wanted it. I have worked for ASRC Cleaning for five years now. 

My wife and I have three children. Having this job means I can provide basic needs to my family. It’s better to work, in my eyes, than rely on the help provided by the foodbank and other services. I don’t want to rely on aid. Some people don’t have work rights, so they should have priority support with those services.

My bridging visa has to be renewed every three months. ASRC understands this situation and they accommodate. No-one else wants to employ someone who has to renew their visa every three months. The managers at ASRC Cleaning are so cooperative, so helpful – especially Nicole.

In Pakistan I did a Bachelor in Commerce and was studying towards a Masters in Business Administration while doing an internship. My interest is still in the accounting side of things. Once I get my Permanent Residency I’m going to complete my studies. I have also studied a business diploma so I’m going to do some up-to-date courses to get a good job.

On the weekends I focus on my kids. The girls are aged eleven and seven and the boy is two. Even though there is an age gap, they all get along. We take them to the park, swimming pools and play areas. 

I have some other family members here too, and if I get free time I like to play cricket with them. Pakistanis love cricket and we used to play in Pakistan so we try to continue here.

ASRC is doing a tremendous job for me. Any trouble we have regarding our visas, this is our first stop. I am very thankful to Kon and all the team members. Even though they don’t have much budget, they try to accommodate everyone and they are always there for you.”