Still not recognised as a refugee since arriving on Ashmore Reef — an external Australian territory 840km west of Darwin and 630km north of Broome — in 2012, his mental wellness has plummeted.
The 40-year-old Iranian has wanted to work, but has not been allowed to without a visa of any kind.
It has also meant he’s had no access to Medicare or government assistance.
Nabi has relied on the kindness of community and church groups, while tirelessly fighting to become a legal immigrant.
Gratefully, he’s out of his car now and living in a single rented room in Mooroopna, but many challenges persist.
“I constantly worry about how to pay for food, rent, electricity and other basic needs,” he said.
“Each day is a struggle to survive.”
He is appealing to the public and local members of parliament to support him in his request for a ministerial intervention by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Nabi is hopeful Mr Burke will grant him either a permanent protection visa or provide him with the opportunity to submit a new application for one to have his refugee claim reassessed.
If he were to return to Iran, he fears he would face execution.
He says both the Iranian Embassy in Australia and his father, who remains in Iran, have warned it is too dangerous a risk.
However, Nabi says he has felt helpless and without dignity for more than a decade and feels like this is his last hope.
“I fled for safety, not humiliation,” he said.
“Despite all of this, I am determined not to give up.
“I want to be recognised as a genuine refugee, not only for myself but also to stand for others who are trapped in the same situation of injustice.”
While his legal struggle continues, friends have rallied around Nabi, encouraging him to start a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover his daily living expenses — rent, bills and food — so he can focus properly on his advocacy journey.
To donate to Nabi’s GoFundMe, visit tinyurl.com/yvw976x3
16°C