Asylum Seeker Who Moved to the UK for a Better Life Reveals What Has Left Him Disappointed
Bahawudeen Yahaya, a 46-year-old asylum seeker living in Glasgow, has spoken out against the UK Government’s latest asylum reforms, saying the new policies are unfair and make people seeking safety feel less than human. He believes the changes are not just about immigration rules but also about creating a negative image of asylum seekers in the eyes of the public.
According to Yahaya, many asylum seekers have already been through extremely difficult experiences before arriving in the UK. Some have escaped war, political persecution, violence, or threats to their lives, only to face more uncertainty while waiting months or even years for a decision on their asylum applications. He said that instead of offering compassion and understanding, the new policies make people feel unwanted and ashamed.
Yahaya described the Government’s approach as “dehumanising,” saying it sends a message that asylum seekers are a problem rather than people who need protection.
He argued that the language being used around immigration creates an “ugly narrative” that encourages people to look down on asylum seekers and blame them for wider problems in the country. In his view, this makes it even harder for those seeking refuge to settle into their communities and rebuild their lives.
He also said the policies appear designed to make asylum seekers “feel bad about themselves.” He believes many people are already struggling with the emotional effects of leaving their homes, families, and countries behind, and that introducing tougher measures only adds to the stress and anxiety they already face. He said asylum seekers should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of where they come from or how they arrived in the UK.
His comments come after the Labour Government announced a series of major changes to the asylum system. The reforms include plans that could require some asylum seekers who are eventually granted permission to stay in the UK to repay the cost of the accommodation and financial support they received while waiting for a decision on their claims. Ministers have said the changes are intended to reduce the cost of the asylum system, discourage abuse of immigration rules, and restore public confidence.
The Government insists the reforms are about creating a fairer and more sustainable immigration system while continuing to protect people who genuinely need asylum.
However, refugee organisations, charities, and many campaigners have criticised the plans, arguing that most asylum seekers are not allowed to work while their claims are being processed and have little choice but to rely on government support.
They say asking people to repay those costs after finally being granted protection places an unfair burden on individuals who are trying to start a new life after experiencing trauma.
Yahaya hopes the Government will rethink its approach and focus on policies that protect vulnerable people while treating them with fairness and humanity.
He believes asylum seekers should not be made to feel like they are being punished simply because they came to the UK seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.
