Australia Says It’ll “Carefully Consider” an 18‑Year‑Old Saudi Woman’s Asylum Quest
Aqua‑blue comes with a splash of human drama: Rahaf Mohammed al‑Qunun, a Saudi teen who fled her family’s abuse, is now on the UN’s radar and hoping for a new start in Australia.
What Happened
- Rahaf landed at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport from Kuwait, after stowing away from a household that allegedly punished her both physically and mentally.
- Moments later, Thai officials flagged her for possible deportation to Saudi Arabia — a decision she feared could mean her life was in peril.
- She didn’t just sit back. Rahaf jumped onto the digital stage: dozens of tweets, live videos — in English and Arabic — and a plunge into the global spotlight.
- Her follower count exploded, with tens of thousands swooning over her story every day.
The Counter‑Move
When Thailand said they’d send her home, they flipped a coin on their own side, pulling back on the brink after her online saga blew up. The UN’s Refugee Agency stepped in and kept her safe as she left the hectic airport.
Australia’s Take
On Tuesday, the Australian Department of Home Affairs announced it’s “pleased” the UN is assessing Rahaf’s request. While no promises yet, the official stance is that any humanitarian visa application will undergo a “careful consideration” once the UNHCR process finishes.
UN Hears She’s in Trouble
Genève’s UNHCR spokesman, Babar Baloch, confirmed the investigation has begun and might take a few days. In light of the infamous Khashoggi case, he spotlighted security concerns: “That’s the Thai government’s job,” he noted, hoping for a protective hand.
Saudi Visited, Not Arrested
The Saudi embassy, in a press dispatch, assured it had not pushed for Rahaf’s deportation. They labeled the matter a “family affair” and mentioned a visit from her father — a senior regional official — to the embassy to discuss the situation.
Family Dynamics
Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn confirmed that Rahaf’s father and brother arrived in Thailand on Tuesday, and he was open to meeting with the UN refugee team. He firmly stated, “Rahaf is not a political asylum case.”
Talks Meet the Reality
Indonesian activists claimed a Saudi embassy official undressed that Thai authorities should confiscate her phone instead of her passport, citing concern over the explosion of her followers. His outburst added an extra layer of dramatic nuance to the case.
Human Rights Watch Speaks Up
Phil Robertson, from Human Rights Watch, said that Rahaf’s father and brother were the primary figures she feared could harm her physically. He also highlighted that the “guardianship” laws in Saudi Arabia are evolving, and she was “making her own decision” regarding any family meeting.
The Final Thought
Rahaf’s story isn’t just a plight; it’s a step into a future shaped by global eyes. With a looming threat of imprisonment or worse if sent back, and with packed‑together family expectations, her journey is far from simple.
