Detention of Hakeem Ali Alaraibi in Thailand

  • Media release

Australia is concerned by the ongoing detention of Mr Hakeem Ali Alaraibi and calls for his immediate return to Australia.

Mr Alaraibi was granted permanent residency by the Australian Government in 2017 in recognition of his status as a refugee. Returning Mr Alaraibi to Bahrain, from where he fled, would contravene his rights under international human rights law.

I have raised the matter with my Thai counterpart, His Excellency Mr Don Pramudwinai, requesting that Thailand allow Mr Alaraibi to return to Australia as soon as possible.

Australia has made, and will continue to make, high-level diplomatic representations seeking Mr Alaraibi's safe return.

Officials from the Australian Embassy in Bangkok have visited Mr Alaraibi to confirm his welfare and are in regular contact with Mr Alaraibi and his lawyer.

Australia welcomes the many messages of support and concern that have been expressed for Mr Alaraibi, including from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, other governments, FIFA and Mr Alaraibi's local community in Melbourne.

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