The Aminovs arrived (with their son Marat), 10 years ago from the former Soviet Union state of Latvia. They are not Latvian nationals, considered by Latvian authorities as stateless Aliens. They not only did not get access to many services, but were subjected to racial abuse and attacks. After their departure from Latvia, they lost their right to return there, as they were considered Russians. They are not Russians too, so the Russian authorities are considering them as Latvians.

They arrived to Australia 1997. Their application for asylum was rejected, but they could not be deported anywhere because they are stateless.

Recently, and after their son's 5 years marriage to Australian citizen, the son got permanent residence here. They thought that their ordeal finished and they will be granted a visa to stay here with their son, especially that they are stateless and no where to go.

DIMA is claiming that they are entitled for Latvian travel document, as stateless aliens.

The Aminovs are entitled for family re-union visa, as Marat is the only son they are having.

DIMA is admitting that this is the case, but they should apply from overseas, as according to the regulations.

Aminovs, and tens of their friends and supporters, could not convince DIMA officials that they have no country to go to to apply for the family re-union visa.

Their son, Marat, is on brink of collapse. He is receiving anti-depressant medication regularly. His wife terminated pregnancy twice for apparently stress-related problems the whole family is going through for the last decade. She is very scared to try once more at the moment.

The question remains: when will Aminovs, including Australian resident Marat, can start to try to rebuild their life which was shattered after 10 years of fighting to convince DIMA that they deserve protection?

The other question is: where DIMA wants to send Aminovs, who are stateless and will leave behind a young man who needs their support (as they also need his)?

Please write to the minister (xxxx )  and urge her to use her power to grant Samils and Alija Aminovs a humanitarian visa, to end their (and their son's Marat) ordeal.

Thanks and if you need any more info on the issue, please call me on 0421xxxxxxxx and please send me a copy of your letter to send it to the Aminovs' lawyer.

Jamal Daoud

[Contact details can obtained via a request in the comments section below: SAM editor]