In Iraq he is on an insurgency hit list for helping Australian troops as an interpreter.

He said he would be killed if he returned home yet he feels abandoned by Australian officials.

Mr Ali, 27, served with diggers following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.

Last year he was evacuated for his own protection after his co-worker and friend was shot dead in his car by insurgents while assisting Australians.

Mr Ali had to quickly farewell his father, mother, sister and brother, was handed a permanent Australian visa, and told to leave for his own safety.

He said it was his ``dream'' to be reunited with his family, which he understood would happen once he had arrived in Australia.

But a Department of Immigration spokesman said it was a matter of policy that only a person's ``immediate family'' children and spouse were allowed to follow. Mr Ali is not married and has no children but said his parents and siblings are still living in fear in Iraq.

The department put him on a six-month program for accommodation, counselling and financial support services.

Since his arrival, Mr Ali has been living in shared accommodation, and at St Helens Park with Craig Laws whose wife was a pen pal with Mr Ali's friend in Iraq.

Mr Ali said he received Centrelink payments but survived on $100 a fortnight after rent and other bills.

``There are a lot of malicious gangs working for violence in Iraq,'' he said.

``I had to come to Australia.

``I had no choice. The insurgents killed a lot of people and they wanted to kill me as well.

``I helped the Australian army and gave them information while they were there.

``I was doing it to help my country and for the Australian army to help my people.

``I wanted to change Iraq.

``I am scared all the time.

``I still have hope that I will see my family again.''

Mr Ali said he had veterinary training but Australia did not recognise his qualifications.