EXCLUSIVE: Asylum seeker calling for rule change to make positive contribution to society
Mohamed Amir Radwan moved here after working in Saudi Arabia because of a law change.
Last updated 25th Aug 2022
There are urgent calls to make it easier for asylum seekers to work in the UK as we exclusively hear from a qualified pharmacist living in a Glasgow hotel room.
Mohamed Amir Radwan is originally from Syria and has 8 years of experience working for Boots in Saudi Arabia but had to move here after a law change meant he was no longer able to work there.
He has been living in a hotel room in the city centre since June 29 because while his asylum claim is under review.
In a sit down interview with Clyde 1, he claims he would like to see a rule change so people with qualifications can contribute to society faster.
"I need to work to buy them food"
He told Clyde 1: "I've got a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old and I need to buy them food and put clothes on their backs.
Clyde 1 has seen Mr Amir Radwan's qualifications including his certificate to work as a pharmacist and a reference from Boots.
"When they fall asleep my wife starts to cry"
He has been getting handouts from Homeless Project Scotland to be able to feed his family at meal times.
He added: "We have no kitchen and other people have to do our laundry for us.
"We try to hide our distress as much as we can from our kids.
"When they fall asleep my wife starts to cry and I often go and lock myself in the bathroom because I don't like them seeing me stressed out about the situation."
Colin McInnes from Homeless Project Scotland has been helping Mohamed and his family by providing them with toys and money to get his broken glasses fixed.
He said: "This man is just desperate to get behind a counter to help people and it is so clear to see that he just wants to give back to the country.
"There needs to be a systematic review because if someone has come into this country to seek asylum because of fear of being killed then they should really recognise that and give them a chance to make a decent living."
Mohamed added: "I feel guilty that all of this has happened to the children because of me, but I will never give up.
"I will keep hope that a good day will happen."
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Asylum seekers can work if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own.
“Asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are provided with support whilst we consider their claim for international protection.
"This includes free, furnished accommodation and utilities as well as a weekly allowance for food, clothing, transport and sundries.
"All asylum seekers in hotels receive three meals a day as well as all other essentials, including cash payments where eligible”.