Two members of Iran women's football team have become Australian citizens, having previously been granted humanitarian asylum following this year's Asian Cup.
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday — five months after refusing to return to Iran.
Seven members of Iran's travelling party for the tournament had initially sought asylum in Australia after their country's elimination from the tournament. Five subsequently changed their minds to return to Iran, but Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia.
The two received their citizenship certificates at a ceremony attended by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Ramezanisadeh said her citizenship "represents hope, safety, and the chance to build a new future", while Pasandideh said the moment "feels like a new beginning".
#pasandideh #asylum #return #tournament
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, were naturalised in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday — five months after refusing to return to Iran.
Seven members of Iran's travelling party for the tournament had initially sought asylum in Australia after their country's elimination from the tournament. Five subsequently changed their minds to return to Iran, but Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remained in Australia.
The two received their citizenship certificates at a ceremony attended by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Ramezanisadeh said her citizenship "represents hope, safety, and the chance to build a new future", while Pasandideh said the moment "feels like a new beginning".
#pasandideh #asylum #return #tournament
3 months ago
