Help Ali get his right to work back
Donation protected
Ali is one of the kindest and warmest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and seems to put a smile on the face of anyone he talks to despite his current situation.
He had previously worked around the world with charities and NGOs including Red Cross and Unicef, spending time as an assistant medic in Afghanistan before coming to the UK in 2008 where he has lived and worked since. Last year however, Ali was made homeless and subsequently had his suitcase stolen for the laptop inside, costing him his passport and ID, alongside various other important, personal documents.
He has since been struggling to survive, ineligible for any government aid, relying on the kindness of strangers and £1.50 of every £3 he makes per Big Issue sale, not to mention the increased difficulty of both income lifelines under Covid-19 and social distancing.
Multiple people have offered him jobs in the local area but without a passport or biometric ID he cannot legally work. To qualify for these he must hold UK citizenship through ‘naturalisation.' However, naturalisation fees in the UK are some of the most expensive in the world and an adult looking to become a “naturalised” British citizen must pay £1,330 for their application, a figure that dwarfs the fees in the US ($725), Canada ($505), and Germany ($319).
Naturalisation fees have almost doubled over the last decade under the Conservative government, having sat at £700 in 2011. The home office has been widely criticised for its profiteering; accumulating around £800m in citizenship fees over the last 6 years and leaving countless others like Ali in vulnerable situations and/or crippling debt.
Besides paying these extortionate fees and any additional ones, the money raised will help Ali survive over the administrative process and pay off debts that are keeping a roof over his head this winter. Any additional funds will also greatly aid him in getting back on his feet; securing permanent accommodation and starting his new life.
Your contribution will be an investment in the future of a wonderful human being, a great friend and someone who has always wanted to give back to others. If you are unable to donate at the moment, sharing this appeal or sending it to a friend or family member will help just as much.
Thank you for your time.
Below are links to some more in-depth information around the topic
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/24/reduce-home-office-fees-say-mps-campaigners
https://qz.com/1235688/thousands-of-qualified-people-cant-get-uk-citizenship-because-they-cant-afford-it/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/2020
He had previously worked around the world with charities and NGOs including Red Cross and Unicef, spending time as an assistant medic in Afghanistan before coming to the UK in 2008 where he has lived and worked since. Last year however, Ali was made homeless and subsequently had his suitcase stolen for the laptop inside, costing him his passport and ID, alongside various other important, personal documents.
He has since been struggling to survive, ineligible for any government aid, relying on the kindness of strangers and £1.50 of every £3 he makes per Big Issue sale, not to mention the increased difficulty of both income lifelines under Covid-19 and social distancing.
Multiple people have offered him jobs in the local area but without a passport or biometric ID he cannot legally work. To qualify for these he must hold UK citizenship through ‘naturalisation.' However, naturalisation fees in the UK are some of the most expensive in the world and an adult looking to become a “naturalised” British citizen must pay £1,330 for their application, a figure that dwarfs the fees in the US ($725), Canada ($505), and Germany ($319).
Naturalisation fees have almost doubled over the last decade under the Conservative government, having sat at £700 in 2011. The home office has been widely criticised for its profiteering; accumulating around £800m in citizenship fees over the last 6 years and leaving countless others like Ali in vulnerable situations and/or crippling debt.
Besides paying these extortionate fees and any additional ones, the money raised will help Ali survive over the administrative process and pay off debts that are keeping a roof over his head this winter. Any additional funds will also greatly aid him in getting back on his feet; securing permanent accommodation and starting his new life.
Your contribution will be an investment in the future of a wonderful human being, a great friend and someone who has always wanted to give back to others. If you are unable to donate at the moment, sharing this appeal or sending it to a friend or family member will help just as much.
Thank you for your time.
Below are links to some more in-depth information around the topic
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/24/reduce-home-office-fees-say-mps-campaigners
https://qz.com/1235688/thousands-of-qualified-people-cant-get-uk-citizenship-because-they-cant-afford-it/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/2020
Organiser
Adam Grant
Organiser
England