Accessing Support in Hostile Times

Afghan Migrants in London: Accessing Support in Hostile Times

Last Thursday, the Harrow Arts Centre hosted an important event led by Professor Louise Ryan and Dr María López from London Metropolitan University and the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre. They presented the findings of their research project titled “Afghan Migrants in London: Accessing Support in Hostile Times.”

The study was based on in-depth interviews with Afghan refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. Some participants spoke from bridging hotels shortly after arriving in the United Kingdom, while others shared their experiences after living in London for many years.

Paiwand was honoured to partner with the research team and our sister organisation, the Afghan Association of London, in supporting this project. Through our community connections, we helped the researchers reach participants and provided interpreters to assist during interviews. A dedicated team of peer researchers, including two from Paiwand, volunteered their time to make this work possible.

The interviews revealed several ongoing challenges faced by Afghans who have recently arrived in the United Kingdom. Many described the uncertainty of life in temporary accommodation, where some have remained for long periods without being permanently housed. Others spoke about the struggle to learn English, the frustration of working in jobs below their qualifications because their professional credentials are not recognised, and the mental strain of separation from their families still living abroad.

These findings offer a valuable understanding of the difficulties Afghan refugees and asylum seekers encounter while trying to rebuild their lives in the United Kingdom. They also point toward the actions and policy changes that are needed to address those challenges and to create a more supportive environment.

Change is necessary, but what should it look like and how can it be achieved? The upcoming dissemination event in Islington on 27 September will explore these questions in more depth. Details about the event will be shared soon. Please follow Paiwand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated.

To see photographs from the Harrow event, please visit our Facebook post.