Syrian refugee finally leaves Malaysia after seven months stranded in the airport
- Hassan al-Kontar was arrested by immigration officials in October following months in limbo at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Terminal 2
- His plight became widely known from social media posts showing him surviving on donated airline meals and washing in the toilets
A Syrian refugee who spent several months in limbo in a budget terminal at a Malaysian airport has arrived in Canada after being granted permanent residency by the country.
Hassan al-Kontar’s plight became widely known after he shared posts on social media that showed him surviving on donated airline meals, washing and giving himself a haircut in the toilets at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Terminal 2.
He had been stuck since March – blocked from entering Malaysia because of visa issues and barred from travelling to other countries, and was detained last month by immigration officials.
“I know I look like someone who ran from the stone or middle ages. I’m sorry for that,” the smiling 36-year-old said in a Twitter video on Monday, looking tired and stroking his bushy beard.
“For the last eight years, it was hard, long journey. The last 10 months, it was very hard and cold.”