192 - Help support Afghan teenager reunite with this remaining family members - January 2025

Donation 192 has gone to help an Afghan teenager, who plays in the member’s local cricket club, in his attempts to reunite with surviving members of his family.

After Afghanistan fell to Taliban rule in 2021, the boy was forced to flee the country when his older brothers were killed, serving in the national army. He spent weeks hiding as Taliban members entered his village and called at his home.

He spent the next six months travelling to Europe and arrived in the UK in March 2022, after a difficult and dangerous journey, and he was dispersed to Sheffield and placed in foster care. After 10 months he was given refugee status in the UK.

His parents had stayed in Afghanistan to look after his young nephews, but in 2023 they both died, leaving the nephews homeless and without support, and dependent on food from the local mosque. Money was sent back to a neighbour who eventually took the boys in and cared for them, providing money could be sent for all their needs.

Friends who are supporting this young boy in Sheffield have now started an application to bring the boys to the UK, which will be a challenge but is not impossible. The rules around bringing child relatives who are not your own children are a little more difficult and the cost is higher, but the group is determined to get these 3 boys together, as they are now each other’s only family.

The process is very complex and they are being supported by a specialist charity which is covering the legal costs.  Each part of the process comes with various different costs and they are working through all the hoops required.  

The young boy himself is saving as much money as he can but he is still sending funds for his nephew’s daily needs, so it is a huge challenge for him. Nevertheless, he is highly committed to bringing these boys here as they have all lost everyone else who was dear to them. He is very proud and does not want to ask for money but he cannot do this alone.

There are a number of costs that need to be met - DNA testing; Visas to neighbouring countries for biometrics; TB testing; applications to Home Office; immigration health surcharge; travel.

Our member asked if we might be able to help.  At this stage they have been advised by the lawyer that they should get an independent social workers report as it is much more likely that the application is accepted with that as evidence. Also, if the application fails, then an appeal is likely to be successful with this report. Apparently 85% of applications are turned down but then the majority win on appeal. 

The cost of the social worker’s report is £660 and we have sent £500 towards that so they can get this organised and move the whole process forward and hopefully have their application accepted first time.

We wish the boy the very best of luck with his mission to reunite with his nephews and are pleased to be able to support the group helping him through the process.