Forced to flee Afghanistan after receiving death threats from the Taliban, Hasan arrived in Australia seeking safety and a chance to rebuild his life. He arrived on one of the last boats permitted to remain in Australia and began the difficult journey of starting over in a new country.
Hasan joined the Opening Doors program with a clear goal: to improve his English so he could study law.
Our Opening Doors program is dedicated to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum on their journey to independence, education, and employment through personalised coaching, mentorship, and skill development.
Although Hasan already held a degree in horticulture, he was determined to pursue a legal career. Having experienced the challenges of Australia's migration system first hand, he wanted to help others in similar situations navigate the complex process of securing visas and building a future.
With the support of CARAD volunteers and his own determination, Hasan quickly improved his English and successfully gained a scholarship to study law at Curtin University.
The path was not easy. While studying, financial pressures meant Hasan had to balance university with painting houses to cover his living expenses. Despite these challenges, he persevered and graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2020.
His commitment did not stop there. Hasan completed further legal training and supervised practice across Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Eventually, the law firm where he completed his final placement recognised his talent and offered him a permanent position.
Today, one of Hasan's key roles is helping refugees and migrants secure visas and pathways to permanent residency—exactly the work he had dreamed of doing when he first arrived in Australia.
While helping others achieve stability, Hasan continued to face uncertainty about his own future. For years, he remained on a temporary visa, regularly required to prove that returning to Afghanistan was unsafe. Finally, in 2025, he was granted permanent residency, opening doors that many Australians take for granted, including the ability to secure a car loan and reduce the long daily commute between home and work.
Then came the news he had been waiting for.
Hasan’s application for Australian citizenship had been approved.
Hasan's story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when determination is met with opportunity and support. From arriving in Australia seeking safety to becoming a lawyer who helps others build secure futures, his journey reflects the life-changing impact of education, community connection and belonging.