Building a new life in Australia

21 May 2026

The arrival | The challenges | The isolation

When Dr. Naseer arrived in Australia with his family in 2021, he brought with him decades of experience as a humanitarian worker in Afghanistan. He had worked alongside international organisations, supported communities through conflict and disaster, and dedicated his life to helping others. But despite his qualifications and experience, arriving in a new country during Covid19 left him and his family feeling uncertain, isolated, and overwhelmed.

Simple tasks became major challenges

His family could not speak English, and due to a language misunderstanding, they were initially connected with the wrong interpreters and support services. As new arrivals, Dr. Naseer and his family were ineligible from accessing government welfare support and received no financial assistance. They struggled to access food, housing, education, and employment, forcing them to rely entirely on their own. With added lockdown restrictions in place, even leaving the house or opening a bank account was impossible. Finding a rental property without references was difficult, and when applying for jobs, Dr. Naseer repeatedly faced requests for “local experience” despite years of international leadership experience.

More than just physical barriers

Like many migrants and refugees, Dr. Naseer and his family carried the grief of separation from loved ones still in Afghanistan, while also facing stereotypes and assumptions about their background. He describes how important community became during this time, not only for practical support, but for understanding, belonging, and connection.

Through community networks and support services, Dr. Naseer slowly began rebuilding his life in Melbourne. One of the most meaningful supports came through SMRC. A culturally matched support volunteer regularly visited his mother, helping ease her loneliness and creating a trusted friendship during a difficult transition. For his children and wife, SMRC programs provided guidance with education, career pathways, CV development, and English learning opportunities.

For Dr. Naseer personally, joining an SMRC supported professional group for overseas trained doctors and healthcare workers became life changing. The group connected him with likeminded professionals who understood both the challenges of migration and the desire to contribute meaningfully to Australian society. Through regular online and in-person meetings, the program strengthened his confidence, expanded his professional knowledge, and provided a sense of purpose and belonging.

“I really feel that the professional group gave me a lot of support,

not only in terms of my academic understanding and knowledge but also mentally I feel more valued’’

Dr Naseer

From establishing roots to flourishing lives

Today, all four of Dr. Naseer’s children are studying at university, his wife has completed English studies, and he continues building his career in Melbourne. While the journey has not been easy, the support of community organisations like SMRC helped his family move from survival to stability, and from isolation to connection.

For newly arrived migrants and refugees, connection is more than support, it’s hope in the midst of new beginnings.