Six former Afghani soldiers who sought asylum in Australia after last October's Invictus Games in Sydney have been granted permanent protection visas, according to the law firm which acted on their behalf.
All but one of the athletes lost limbs in operations against the Taliban, with some losing both legs.
When the athletes were invited to Australia to compete in the games, they and their families reportedly became targets of the Taliban, who disliked the Invictus Games’ association with their Western-allied foes.
Five of the six Afghan Invictus athletes and officials who remained in Australia. Source: SBS
The five athletes and one official were issued with bridging visas after the games concluded, which enabled them to stay legally in Australia while their protection visas were being processed. The final athlete had their permanent visa granted on Tuesday.
“We are extremely pleased with this outcome,” Alison Battisson, Director Principal of law firm Human Rights for All, told SBS News.
“After the Games were over the athletes sought legal advice, and were able to commence an asylum process that after eight or nine months, resulted in permanent visas.”
