From asylum seeker to volunteer

11 July 2008

After receiving emergency assistance from the Red Cross, Marilyn – a vulnerable asylum seeker from Zimbabwe – now regularly volunteers for the organisation helping other people in crisis.

Marilyn, who is seeking asylum in the UK after being accused of supporting an opposition political party in her country, lives in near-destitute conditions. The Home Office has denied her refugee status and last year she spent two traumatic months at Yarl’s Wood detention centre in Bedford.

She said: “I never imagined I would one day end up in such conditions, when all my liberties and freedoms would be curtailed. I was almost sent back to Zimbabwe where I faced certain death. Thankfully, a legislative tool barred deportations to Zimbabwe just before I was due to be bundled onto the next plane home.”

Facing destitution

Marilyn added: “I am happy I was taken out, but I still don’t lead a normal life as I cannot work nor own a house, let alone bring my children whom I left in Zimbabwe.”

Like many desperate Zimbabwean failed asylum seekers, Marilyn found herself destitute until a friend took her into her house – and she discovered the Red Cross. She remembers: “The British Red Cross gave me food vouchers and clothing – I am so indebted to them for what they have done, and continue doing, for me.

“Through the Red Cross, I have found an opportunity to do voluntary work, which has proven to be a remedy to all the stressful thoughts of my loneliness, lack of income and idleness.”

Anxious situation

Lately, Marilyn has been increasingly anxious about her situation, following reports that the government will soon start deporting failed asylum seekers. Around 11,000 Zimbabwean refused asylum seekers have been sent letters urging them to return to Zimbabwe voluntarily or face expulsion. This ends the previous moratorium on deportations.

According to Nick Scott-Flynn, head of refugee services, the British Red Cross is currently helping more than 1,000 Zimbabwean asylum seekers and refugees. He said: “Many are petrified about going back. They are in limbo – not allowed to work and not allowed to receive benefits.”

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