Help Jien stay and remain in the UK

ABOUT:

Our dear Jien's visa is ending, and unless they find another visa, they are not able to remain in the UK and have to resort to returning back to Malaysia, where they face transphobic harassment regularly.

Malaysia is the second worst country in the world for the transgender community, based on the Global Trans Rights Index . Malaysia was given a score of -105 and the highest danger rating of F with the comment that trans people, especially transfemmes and trans women, face obstacles in the country and are targeted by the police.

This is a fundraiser to ensure that they remain in the UK, where they can be with their communities, friends and chosen family for the long term.

ABOUT JIEN:

Jien is a Malaysian Chinese nonbinary transfemme and immigrant. They are more than this: they are one of our dearest and and valued member of the queer QTIPOC/ESEA community, where they have been the co-founder of Draig Fest , Wales and the Southwest's Queer Lunar New Year festivals; a longterm committee member of Trans Pride Cardiff ; previous committee member of the QTIPOC support group in Wales (Glitter Cymru) and is currently the Chair of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board LGBTQIA+ Staff Network. They have never stopped caring and supporting community ever since they've set foot in South Wales.

Unfortunately, the strict visa regulations imposed by the government has seen an incredulous amount of immigrants having to return back to their home countries, as the current Skilled Worker Visa threshold is a whopping £38,700 (!!!) unless you're in the shortage occupation list. This means you are not allowed to work in the UK unless your job hits a minimum of £38,700 a year - barely reachable for many working class communities.

Jien's visa is expiring next week (18th July), and they will be forced to return to Malaysia. The only way to return is via a student visa, in which they have an offer from a university to study masters. However, this requires a £7,200 deposit. Unless they can find the money in the month to pay this, they will not be able to return back to the UK and continue building the amount of years required for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

BREAKDOWN OF GOFUNDME COSTS:

Many of you may know Jien as a dear friend and valued community member - please share this fundraiser far and wide to help Jien stay and remain in the UK. Your donations and generosity is much appreciated, and any penny helps.

Thank you very much!