A recent series of public demonstrations surrounding hotels in Perth housing asylum seekers has brought the experiences of these individuals into sharper focus. Despite facing scrutiny, many asylum seekers are keen to share their stories, expressing a profound desire to actively contribute to the vibrant community of Perth and Kinross.
As fresh gatherings are anticipated in the coming weeks, local voices from within the asylum seeker community have shed light on their daily lives and future aspirations in the Fair City. For their personal safety and privacy, the identities of the individuals interviewed for this report have been respectfully shielded through the use of pseudonyms. Omar’s Journey: From Conflict to Community Engagement
Among those sharing his experience is Omar, who has resided at Perth’s Queens Hotel since May. Hailing from Libya, a nation still grappling with the ramifications of ongoing conflict, Omar describes his time in Perth as predominantly positive. He fondly recounts, “Life in Perth has been amazing. I love this city and its people.”
However, Omar also acknowledges the less welcoming aspects he has encountered, noting, “Not so much in the last period with all the protests, and sometimes we get bullied outside with people throwing some words.” He is quick to emphasize that such instances are perpetuated by a “small minority,” and that his overall experience has been favourable. Demonstrating his commitment to his new environment, Omar is an active volunteer at various local organizations, including the ESOL centre where he dedicates his time as a teacher, and other charitable initiatives. His volunteering efforts began almost immediately upon his arrival in Perth, underscoring his proactive approach to integration.
Recently, Omar’s status transitioned from asylum seeker to refugee, having been granted asylum in the UK for five years. With a professional background as a regional project manager for international organizations in Libya, he harbors hopes of cultivating a similar career trajectory here in Scotland.
Reflecting on the protests, Omar offers a perspective rooted in understanding: “I understand. After all, this is their country and they have their own concerns. Everybody sees what they think is right, and I totally understand that because this is their right and their country, and we have to respect that. We need to carry on respecting the culture, the opinions, and we need to debate if we have a chance to.” He also points out that preconceived notions are often formed about individuals based solely on their asylum seeker status, asserting, “I am an academic person. I contribute to society through volunteering and helping others. This is how I show my commitment to Scotland.” Ahmad’s Plea: Seeking Refuge for Family
Ahmad, who arrived in Perth seven months ago from Afghanistan, recounts a harrowing escape from a life-threatening situation in his homeland. Despite the trauma of his past, he expresses a profound sense of security and appreciation for his new surroundings, stating, “Society and culture here are great.”
His aspirations are clear: “I hope to make my life here in Perth. I want to be a positive person in this society and help. I believe I can do something for this city in the future. Right now it is hard to do, I am trying, I want to.” Ahmad acknowledges the privilege of his current accommodation, expressing gratitude for the basic necessities provided at the Queens Hotel. Yet, he recounts direct encounters with protesters: “People come to the hotels on a Saturday and tell me to go home.”
He articulates the stark reality that compels individuals to seek refuge abroad: “I know this country is their country; but if my country was safe, I never would have come to their country. My life was in danger. I don’t think anyone wants to come to a new country to live if their one is safe.” Ahmad underscores that his perilous journey to the UK was motivated by the safety of his family, not merely personal ambition. “Scotland is a very lucky country. You can live and work safely, and the government works very well. I didn’t want my family to live like they were in jail. I was lucky to make it here – many of my friends didn’t survive the journey.” Amanuel’s Quest for Democracy and Education
Amanuel’s path to the UK began in Eritrea, a nation under a dictatorial regime, where he arrived through a family reunion program to join his sister. His sister had previously been relocated from Libya by the British Red Cross as a minor. It is important to note that this specific family reunion pathway has since been suspended by the government, a measure aimed at deterring unauthorized Channel crossings.
For Amanuel, the UK represents a beacon of safety and freedom: “For us, the UK is very safe. There is democracy here, unlike the dictatorship of Eritrea.” Living with his sister, not in one of the local hotels, Amanuel has quickly developed a deep affection for Scotland, particularly Perth. “I have made lots of friends here. It is a beautiful city,” he shares.
His decision to leave Eritrea was driven by an imperative to avoid compulsory military service under the authoritarian rule. He poignantly describes his father’s lifelong conscription: “My father has been in that army from age 19 until 69, and I don’t see my father for years. I grew up with my mother, brothers, and sisters. I love my country, I love my parents, but I cannot live there under the dictatorship.”
Amanuel extends his gratitude to the local ESOL language centre, a Perth-based charity, for the invaluable support he has received. He aspires to further his education and establish a career in Scotland, emphasizing, “I want to learn, but I cannot do it there. I hope to take on classes here and work in Scotland. You have good people in Perth.”
The collective narratives of Omar, Ahmad, and Amanuel paint a picture of individuals seeking peace, opportunity, and the chance to integrate meaningfully into their new home, Perth, a community they are eager to embrace and contribute to.
As fresh gatherings are anticipated in the coming weeks, local voices from within the asylum seeker community have shed light on their daily lives and future aspirations in the Fair City. For their personal safety and privacy, the identities of the individuals interviewed for this report have been respectfully shielded through the use of pseudonyms. Omar’s Journey: From Conflict to Community Engagement
Among those sharing his experience is Omar, who has resided at Perth’s Queens Hotel since May. Hailing from Libya, a nation still grappling with the ramifications of ongoing conflict, Omar describes his time in Perth as predominantly positive. He fondly recounts, “Life in Perth has been amazing. I love this city and its people.”
However, Omar also acknowledges the less welcoming aspects he has encountered, noting, “Not so much in the last period with all the protests, and sometimes we get bullied outside with people throwing some words.” He is quick to emphasize that such instances are perpetuated by a “small minority,” and that his overall experience has been favourable. Demonstrating his commitment to his new environment, Omar is an active volunteer at various local organizations, including the ESOL centre where he dedicates his time as a teacher, and other charitable initiatives. His volunteering efforts began almost immediately upon his arrival in Perth, underscoring his proactive approach to integration.
Recently, Omar’s status transitioned from asylum seeker to refugee, having been granted asylum in the UK for five years. With a professional background as a regional project manager for international organizations in Libya, he harbors hopes of cultivating a similar career trajectory here in Scotland.
Reflecting on the protests, Omar offers a perspective rooted in understanding: “I understand. After all, this is their country and they have their own concerns. Everybody sees what they think is right, and I totally understand that because this is their right and their country, and we have to respect that. We need to carry on respecting the culture, the opinions, and we need to debate if we have a chance to.” He also points out that preconceived notions are often formed about individuals based solely on their asylum seeker status, asserting, “I am an academic person. I contribute to society through volunteering and helping others. This is how I show my commitment to Scotland.” Ahmad’s Plea: Seeking Refuge for Family
Ahmad, who arrived in Perth seven months ago from Afghanistan, recounts a harrowing escape from a life-threatening situation in his homeland. Despite the trauma of his past, he expresses a profound sense of security and appreciation for his new surroundings, stating, “Society and culture here are great.”
His aspirations are clear: “I hope to make my life here in Perth. I want to be a positive person in this society and help. I believe I can do something for this city in the future. Right now it is hard to do, I am trying, I want to.” Ahmad acknowledges the privilege of his current accommodation, expressing gratitude for the basic necessities provided at the Queens Hotel. Yet, he recounts direct encounters with protesters: “People come to the hotels on a Saturday and tell me to go home.”
He articulates the stark reality that compels individuals to seek refuge abroad: “I know this country is their country; but if my country was safe, I never would have come to their country. My life was in danger. I don’t think anyone wants to come to a new country to live if their one is safe.” Ahmad underscores that his perilous journey to the UK was motivated by the safety of his family, not merely personal ambition. “Scotland is a very lucky country. You can live and work safely, and the government works very well. I didn’t want my family to live like they were in jail. I was lucky to make it here – many of my friends didn’t survive the journey.” Amanuel’s Quest for Democracy and Education
Amanuel’s path to the UK began in Eritrea, a nation under a dictatorial regime, where he arrived through a family reunion program to join his sister. His sister had previously been relocated from Libya by the British Red Cross as a minor. It is important to note that this specific family reunion pathway has since been suspended by the government, a measure aimed at deterring unauthorized Channel crossings.
For Amanuel, the UK represents a beacon of safety and freedom: “For us, the UK is very safe. There is democracy here, unlike the dictatorship of Eritrea.” Living with his sister, not in one of the local hotels, Amanuel has quickly developed a deep affection for Scotland, particularly Perth. “I have made lots of friends here. It is a beautiful city,” he shares.
His decision to leave Eritrea was driven by an imperative to avoid compulsory military service under the authoritarian rule. He poignantly describes his father’s lifelong conscription: “My father has been in that army from age 19 until 69, and I don’t see my father for years. I grew up with my mother, brothers, and sisters. I love my country, I love my parents, but I cannot live there under the dictatorship.”
Amanuel extends his gratitude to the local ESOL language centre, a Perth-based charity, for the invaluable support he has received. He aspires to further his education and establish a career in Scotland, emphasizing, “I want to learn, but I cannot do it there. I hope to take on classes here and work in Scotland. You have good people in Perth.”
The collective narratives of Omar, Ahmad, and Amanuel paint a picture of individuals seeking peace, opportunity, and the chance to integrate meaningfully into their new home, Perth, a community they are eager to embrace and contribute to.