Mother And Daughter Successfully Reunited In Iran
Media Release - DPS 48/2003
An Iranian minor has been successfully reunited with her mother in Iran, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) confirmed today.
The child, who departed Australia yesterday, was accompanied by officers from the Department and Australasian Correctional Management, and arrived in Iran late this afternoon Australian time.
Departmental officers from the Embassy in Tehran were present when the child arrived and was reunited with her mother - both were happy to see each other.
The child's mother, who has been in regular contact with her daughter, has custody of her in Iran.
She had been brought to Australia by her father without her mother's approval.
The child, and her father, had been found not to be owed protection obligations by Australia. Consequently the Department had a legal obligation to return the child to Iran.
Family and Youth Services of the South Australian Department of Human Services are familiar with the case and were advised of the arrangements put in place to effect the child's return.
The child's father, as with all people to whom Australia has no protection obligations, and, as required by law, will also be removed from Australia as soon as practicable.
24 July 2003
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