From Lebanon to Australia: Mahmoud's Inspiring Story

In 1987, driven by the turmoil of a civil war in Lebanon, Mahmoud and his family embarked on a journey to Australia seeking a safer and more stable life. Upon arriving, they faced the typical challenges of adapting to new cultures and work environments, but the warm welcome of their new Australian community helped ease their transition and start to a new life. Mahmoud shares his story, reflecting on how, despite almost four decades in Australia, he remains deeply connected to Lebanon and continues to support his family there.

Tell us about your journey to Australia

I moved to Australia 37 years ago from Lebanon, seeking a fresh start due to the civil war in my home country. I'm originally from the north of Lebanon, and my wife is from the south. The decision to leave Lebanon was difficult, but the situation made it clear that a safer, more stable life was necessary for my future and that of my family. Over the years, we've had a smooth settlement experience in Australia. While adapting to life here was not without its challenges, we did not encounter any major issues in terms of integration. The welcoming nature of the Australian community made the transition much easier, and over time, we have found our place here. However, my heart remains heavy for Lebanon, especially given the ongoing struggles the country faces.

What challenges did you encounter when settling in?

One of the first challenges we encountered upon arriving was adjusting to the Australian work culture. The focus on employment opportunities in general, rather than specific job roles, was a significant shift from what we had been used to in Lebanon. In Australia, we quickly learned that it was more about finding a job, any job, that suited our skills and interests, rather than waiting for the perfect position to come along. This shift required us to be flexible and open-minded, and we embraced it as an opportunity to explore new avenues. Over time, we learned to adapt to the expectations of the workplace here, including the balance of work and life.

After all these years in Australia, do you still have any connection back to Lebanon?

I feel a very strong sense of responsibility to support my family members back in Lebanon. The political and economic instability in the region has made life difficult for many, and I know that they rely on our support to manage daily challenges. This commitment to family is deeply ingrained in our culture. As an Arab, the importance of family bonds is paramount, and I feel it's our duty to be there for them whenever possible. Even though I have settled in Australia, my heart is always with my family in Lebanon, and I ensure they have the support they need, whether through financial assistance or emotional encouragement. It’s not just about helping my family but for many people in the Arab world.
 

How did you discover Bless Payments and what made you choose it for your money transfers?

I was introduced to Bless Payments by my son-in-law, who recommended the app as a reliable and trustworthy option for sending money to Lebanon. He shared his positive experience with the service, highlighting how convenient and straightforward the app was to use and based on his recommendation, I decided to give it a try. The decision to choose Bless Payments was primarily driven by its lower fees and higher exchange rate, which provided significant value compared to other remittance services and what I found most appealing about Bless Payments is that they always offer the actual exchange rate at the time of the transfer, without any hidden fees.

What do you appreciate most about using Bless Payments?

After downloading the app, I was able to quickly and easily send the transfer, and I also appreciated how quickly the money arrived on the other side. My recipient's experience was equally smooth, with a seamless process on their end as well. They were able to complete the ID verification process with Purpl without any complications, which further added to the sense of trust in the service. What stood out most to me was the transparency of Bless. There were absolutely no hidden fees or surprises. I knew exactly how much would be deducted from my account, and I was rest assured that the full amount I sent would reach the recipient without any reductions. This level of transparency is something I really valued, as it is not always common with other remittance services.
 

What advice would you give to other migrants who are new to Australia?

As someone who has lived both in the Middle-East and in Australia, I understand the challenges that migrants face when settling into a new country and trying to support their families back home. It can be overwhelming, especially given the current situation in the Middle East, where things are particularly tough right now. Despite the difficult and sometimes overwhelming situations we face daily, we always have a choice to make. We just need to make sure we make the right ones.
 

What are your longer-term plans about Australia, Lebanon or anywhere else?

After settling here in Australia, I’ve made the decision to stay and continue building my life here with my family. My children and grandchildren are here, and I feel that this is where my future lies. Australia offers many opportunities, not just for me, but for my family as well. My focus now is on maintaining my health, ensuring that I am physically and mentally fit to be there for my loved ones for many years to come - especially for my grandchildren, with whom I plan to spend as much time as possible.

Can you summarise your experience with Bless Payments?

Overall, my experience with Bless Payments has been nothing short of excellent. From start to finish, everything went smoothly. The process was straightforward, and both I and my recipient were kept informed throughout the entire transfer. One of the biggest highlights of using Bless Payments was the transparency, this is something that I really appreciate.