Refugees who escaped the Taliban now uncertain about their future

An Afghan refugee tells us he doesn't know where to go now that his hotel quarantine is over

Kabul airport
Author: Hannah NorburyPublished 6th Sep 2021

We're hearing how refugees in West Yorkshire, who escaped the Taliban, are now uncertain about their future.

Naikmal Shah fled Afghanistan with his wife and 4 children and was placed in the Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow Hotel to quarantine in England.

Their quarantine ended on 3rd September and they tell us they don't know where to go now.

Naikmal plans to start studying at Bradford University later this month, but says he and his family, like many others, are struggling to find affordable accommodation.

He said:

"All of them are having the same problem, that I am having, they are not able to find affordable accommodation for their family, or health and education facilities for the kids. I would request if the government could provide us with these facilities at the earliest time possible, that would be really helpful.

"I would sincerely thank the UK government and it's people, they have done a lot for us."

He went on to tells us what the last few weeks have been like for him and his family escaping the Taliban:

"For me living under Taliban leadership was not acceptable at all, I could not breathe there. I could feel it, I could not breathe oxygen while living there.

"I had dreams for my children, but all of a sudden everything was blown up.

"Nothing was the same as it used to be a month ago, or a day ago even, so living under their control, for me, was living in hell."

The home office says they won't comment on individual cases.

A Government spokesperson said:

"A significant cross Government effort is underway to ensure the thousands of Afghans who were evacuated to the UK receive the support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities.

"So far over 100 councils have agreed to house Afghans and we have made £5million to support in housing costs.

“Those arriving have to complete mandatory quarantine in hotels. After they leave quarantine, the Government will work with them and local authorities to secure long term accommodation and the necessary financial support.”

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