1714952 (Refugee)

This matter concerned an application for a protection visa by a citizen of Pakistan. The applicant claimed to have converted from Sunni Islam to Shi'a Islam and feared persecution due to anti-Shi'a violence in Pakistan. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal was required to determine the credibility of the applicant and whether, on accepted claims, the criteria for a protection visa were fulfilled.

The Tribunal considered the applicant's claims in light of the relevant provisions of the *Migration Act 1958* (Cth), including the definitions of "refugee" and "well-founded fear of persecution," as well as the complementary protection criterion. The Tribunal also had regard to the Department of Home Affairs' guidelines and country information from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The applicant's history of visa applications and departures from Australia, as well as his personal circumstances, were also taken into account.

The Tribunal found that the applicant's claims lacked credibility, noting inconsistencies in his evidence and a delay in his application for protection. The Tribunal concluded that the applicant did not satisfy the criteria for a protection visa, either under the refugee definition or the complementary protection provisions. The Tribunal affirmed the decision not to grant the applicant a protection visa.