1905099 (Refugee)

The applicant, a Pakistani national, sought a protection visa, claiming he feared persecution due to his conversion to Christianity and the subsequent threats and extortion from his family. The dispute centred on whether the applicant met the criteria for a protection visa, either as a refugee or on complementary protection grounds. The decision was made by a member of the Tribunal.

The Tribunal was required to determine if the applicant was entitled to Australia's protection as a refugee, or alternatively, on complementary protection grounds. This involved assessing the applicant's claims regarding his religious conversion, the alleged threats and extortion from his family, and the credibility of his evidence in light of his past study intentions and financial arrangements with his parents.

The Tribunal considered the applicant's claim that he converted to Christianity and subsequently informed his parents, leading to their cessation of financial support and alleged threats. The Tribunal also noted the applicant's initial intention to study in Australia, funded by his parents, and his subsequent discontinuation of studies. The Tribunal referenced Ministerial Direction No 84 and relevant guidelines concerning refugee and complementary protection. Ultimately, the Tribunal concluded that the matter should be remitted for reconsideration, indicating that the initial decision to affirm the refusal of the protection visa was not upheld.