Khalid is from East Africa. He came to the UK to find safety, but instead he found himself living in destitution. Here, he shares his experience of life without legal status, its challenges and uncertainties, as well as the values, hopes, and resilience that have carried him through. His story is also a call for change. While living in the UK he has been volunteering with many charity organizations, also developing his own group called The Blue Team that picks litter and conserves the environment.
My life in the UK without leave to remain
I arrived in the United Kingdom in 2015 and have lived continuously in the UK since then. For the past ten years, I have had no leave to remain, and life has been extremely difficult.
I became homeless in 2017, and since then I have often had no stable place to stay. I have slept in friends' homes, temporary church accommodation, and sometimes outside during winter.
I have survived only through the kindness of local people, churches, and refugee organisations who have helped me with food, clothing, and a place to rest when possible.
Since 2020, I have received £100 per month from a local charity, which is the only regular financial help I get.
This small amount has helped me buy food, phone credit, and bus tickets to attend my reporting and volunteer activities.
I have never worked illegally or claimed public funds because I respect the law and the rules of this country.
Living without legal status means I cannot work, rent a home, or live a normal life.
I have felt invisible, trapped, and powerless — unable to plan for my future. Despite this, I have always obeyed the law and tried to live with honesty and dignity.
Even through these hard years, I have stayed active in my community. I volunteer with the British Red Cross, helping to set up and tidy at drop-in sessions for refugees. I also help at St Mary in the Baum Church, supporting cleaning and gardening, and I take part in environmental projects through the Blue Team Volunteers, such as litter picking and tree planting. I attend the Friendship Group and ESOL classes with Rochdale Council, where I continue improving my English and helping others.
Sometimes I go to bed hungry or cold, but I never lose my respect for this country and its people.
I believe in peace, kindness, and hard work.
I have never given up hope, even during the hardest times. Living in limbo for so long has caused me great emotional pain. I often feel isolated and anxious, but I keep hope alive through my community and faith. My friends have helped me survive and encouraged me to stay positive.
Despite all the difficulties, I try to live peacefully and help others whenever I can. I believe in kindness, patience, and hope.
My biggest wish is to live a stable and peaceful life, to keep contributing to my community, and one day to be reunited with my wife and family.
The government should reduce the pressures we are facing, it's only from the charities that we are receiving support. Many people are homeless or not getting the support they need. The government should give us attention and support.
We all should stand together against destitution, so that everyone can live with dignity, no matter where they come from.
Recently, Migrant Destitution Fund has launched a campaign to End Destitution. Please support us by pledging to End Destitution and sharing our voice to the wider public for lasting change.
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