Hamid fled for his life to escape violent unrest in Iraq. He has been stuck in the UK asylum system for over a decade.
When Hamid first contacted our Refugee Support Service just over a year ago, the 57-year-old had been evicted from his accommodation and was sleeping in a friend’s car. His asylum support had been stopped, leaving him destitute with no money for essentials like food, toiletries or warm clothes.
With our help, Hamid now has somewhere safe and warm to stay while he waits for a decision on his asylum claim.
These are Hamid’s words, but his name and photo have been changed to protect his identity.
“I was homeless for three months. Sometimes I was sleeping outside. It was very hard for me. My wellbeing was very badly affected. I seriously thought about taking my own life.
“When I was homeless and I couldn’t find food or warm clothes, I was thinking about my old life in Iraq. I would love to go back but I know I can’t. It’s not safe. People like me are running for our lives. You have to have a good reason to leave everything behind. We only go somewhere else because we have to for our own safety.
“Fiona [my Scottish Refugee Council caseworker] saved me. She was helping in every single way you can imagine. The entire time I’ve been in the UK no charity or organisation has helped or supported me like Scottish Refugee Council.”
Finding healthcare
Hamid has a serious heart condition, which means he is unable to climb stairs or walk more than a few paces without becoming short of breath. Our Refugee Support Service helped him register with a GP so he can get treatment for his physical and mental health.
We also provided a mobile phone, which we help him keep topped up, so he can stay in touch with his doctor and lawyer.
Due to Hamid’s severe mobility issues, he couldn’t accept the charity accommodation that was available or stay at the homes of friends. We were extremely worried about someone so sick sleeping on the streets. We contacted the social work department as a matter of urgency, and they agreed to find him a bed in a hotel.
Emergency financial support
We also helped Hamid apply for emergency grants so he could buy food and other basic essentials. And we put him in touch with charities providing warm clothes, hot meals and washing facilities.
“Scottish Refugee Council was there for me when I was homeless. Fiona got me accommodation in the hotel. I don’t know how she did it, but she did.
“She was supporting me financially – providing vouchers, bus tickets and referring me to charities that could give me warm clothes and food. Without Fiona and Scottish Refugee Council I would be on the street. Everything would be so much worse, health wise and financially.”
The hotel was not a suitable place to stay long-term. Hamid was provided with bed and breakfast but he had nowhere to cook and no money to buy food, so relied on friends and family for most of his meals.
Welfare checks
There were strict rules about visitors and Hamid’s mobility issues meant he struggled to get out and about. He barely left his room and became extremely isolated and lonely. We checked in with him regularly to make sure he was okay.
“I couldn’t get around easily and I had trouble sleeping. Some days friends would bring me food but some days I didn’t eat. It was an unfortunate situation but I had no choice. If I didn’t stay in the hotel, I would be on the street or back sleeping in someone’s car.
“I have been in the UK for almost 14 years. I’m stuck in a situation I can’t change or do anything about. Life can be very difficult here. Everything is different to where you’ve grown up. It’s a different country, a different culture, a different language. It isn’t easy when you don’t have friends and family around you.
“Fiona at Scottish Refugee Council doesn’t just give me practical help, she also gives me emotional support. She contacts me to make sure I’m okay. She’ll ask about my health and check if I need anything. It’s really good to know there is somebody there who supports me. Someone I can go to if there’s anything I need.”
Standing up for Hamid’s rights
After a year in the hotel, Hamid was told he was being evicted once again and had just 10 days to find somewhere else to live. Our Refugee Support Service worked closely with Hamid’s lawyer to submit a fresh asylum claim and provide evidence to support his case.
He is back in the asylum process and the authorities have agreed to provide Hamid with accessible, ground-floor accommodation and financial support while he waits for a decision. He has just moved in and is very happy.
“Now, thanks to Fiona’s efforts, I have my own place. It’s a great feeling! Scottish Refugee Council helped get me accommodation on the ground floor and that was a huge help. I love it. Friends can come and visit me. It’s like a different life.”
Hamid was asked to attend weekly meetings with the authorities while his asylum claim is being reviewed. We explained that his limited finances and severe mobility issues made this extremely difficult and they agreed to reduce the number of meetings.
“I was shot and injured in one of my legs. Because of this injury and my health condition I can’t walk properly. I have to take public transport to get to the meetings. Spending money on bus tickets every week was not something I could afford.
“I don’t know what Fiona did or what she said but something magical happened. Now the meetings with the Home Office have moved from every week to every six months.”
Hope for the future
Spending so long trapped in a cycle of poverty and uncertainty by the hostile asylum system has taken a heavy toll on Hamid’s mental and physical health. But knowing he has a roof over his head and can afford to buy food is a huge comfort.
Hamid is feeling more positive about the future and hopes to get news about his asylum claim soon.
“I want to thank Fiona and everyone at Scottish Refugee Council for all the support they have given me. I just want a normal, ordinary life. Hopefully I can be granted asylum so I can start building a life for myself here in Scotland.”
Find out how our Refugee Support Service can help people like Hamid, who are facing homelessness and destitution.
Donate to our Refugee Winter Appeal and help us support more people like Hamid.
