From Fear to Freedom: Help a Gay Asylum Seeker

Motaz is a kind-hearted 28‑year‑old who recently fled Libya after years of fear and isolation for being gay. He’s now in the Netherlands, seeking asylum and for the first time experiencing what a full life can offer.

After losing both parents, suppressing his identity, and dropping out of university due to the intersecting pressures of war, poverty, and mental health struggles, Motaz is finally able to breathe, and he no longer fears death as honor killing is a common practice in Libya. He says:

“I felt like I was dying inside. I could only pretend for so long. Just hearing a door open or footsteps made me panic, thinking someone would find out about me. This is not the life I wanted to live.”

The journey to the Netherlands was not easy for him, but now that he is here, Motaz has started dating for the first time, living openly, and discovering what it means to feel safe. He’s actively enrolled in courses learning Dutch, and has been accepted into a Computer Science bachelor’s program at Maastricht University—a second chance at building the life he was never allowed to live.

But he can't do it alone.

Because his asylum process is still in progress and he hasn’t had his second interview, Motaz doesn’t qualify for student loans, tuition waivers, or most scholarships. Without legal status or access to aid, he’s left without a way to afford his education and begin building a new life.

We're raising funds for:

This brings us to a total of €3,652. With GoFundMe’s processing fees factored in, we’ve set the goal at €3,800 to ensure Motaz receives the full amount he needs.

Every euro will go directly toward his education and future. Motaz dreams of becoming a contributing member of society and finally living with dignity.

“I finally got a taste of freedom, and I’m still not used to it. I want to start a new life. This program is something I’m really, really happy about—I just need help crossing the last barrier.”

Thank you for reading, sharing, and helping Motaz begin again. ❤️

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Motaz legally allowed to study in the Netherlands?

A: Yes! Motaz has been officially accepted into Maastricht University and is legally permitted to enroll and attend classes, even though his asylum application is still being processed. However, without final asylum status, he does not yet qualify for financial aid.

Q: Why doesn’t Motaz qualify for scholarships or loans?

A: Because Motaz’s asylum claim is still under review and he has not yet completed his second asylum interview, he is currently ineligible for most government-sponsored student loans, tuition waivers, or scholarships.

Q: How will the funds be used?

A: Every euro donated will be directly applied to Motaz’s essential educational expenses, including his first-year tuition (€2,665), a reliable laptop (€487), and necessary books and supplies (€500). The fundraising goal also includes a small buffer to cover GoFundMe’s transaction fees, ensuring Motaz receives the full amount needed.

Q: What happens if the campaign doesn’t reach its full goal?

A: Motaz will use whatever funds are raised to pay the monthly tuition fees. However, the university charges higher fees for monthly payments compared to paying the full tuition annually, so the total cost will increase.

Q: What will happen after Motaz’s second asylum interview of the emigration process?

A: Once Motaz completes his second interview, he will become eligible to apply for scholarships and student loans, which will significantly ease his financial burden for future studies. For now, this campaign is to help bridge the gap for his first year.

Q: When is Motaz’s second asylum interview scheduled?

A: The second interview usually takes place a minimum of 12 to 16 months after an asylum seeker arrives in the Netherlands. Motaz has been living in the country for about 6 months so far.

Q: What kind of laptop is Motaz planning to purchase, and why?

A: Motaz hopes to get an HP 14s-dq4005 14" laptop. It is a reliable mid-range model well-suited for the demands of his computer science coursework, offering the necessary performance without an excessive price tag.