Hello, my name is Amer. For seven challenging years, I lived without a nationality in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, originally hailing from the West Azerbaijan province of Iran.
My life took a pivotal turn when the UN directed me to Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), an organization that offers support to skilled individuals like me. With experience in web development, I was eager to find a platform where I could put my skills to use.
FINDING AN OPPORTUNITY
Creating a profile on TBB’s platform was the first step, but I knew finding the right job might take time. As I awaited opportunities from TBB, I proactively searched for employers on LinkedIn. It was through this network that I connected with a UK company that offered a visa sponsorship program and was enthusiastic about employing me.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
However, there was a unique challenge—while I secured a job offer, I didn’t possess a passport or travel document, essential requirements for a UK Skilled Worker Visa. This situation was challenging for TBB as well. Understanding the complexity, my employer engaged their legal team with TBB, who then liaised with the UK Home Office to explore my case. After months of communication involving the Home Office, and even consultations with the UK Parliament, a groundbreaking decision was reached. I was allowed to apply for a visa without a passport. TBB provided invaluable guidance, liaising with my employer’s lawyer to navigate the application process, and even offered a voucher for me to take an English proficiency test through PTE (Pearson). Despite the complexities, our perseverance paid off, and I received extraordinary news: my visa was approved! I became the first person to migrate to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa without a passport, with my visa issued in a one-way travel document.
ARRIVAL IN THE UK
Upon our arrival in the UK, TBB and my employer played crucial roles in helping my wife and me settle in, offering support in finding temporary accommodation, and assisting with the essential tasks of relocating.
SUPPORTING OTHERS
Having experienced this unique journey, I felt compelled to give back. I applied and I was accepted as a member of the TBB Alumni Committee, where I dedicated a year to helping other refugees and stateless individuals navigate their paths, drawing from my own experiences. Despite the hurdles of being the first in my situation, the support from TBB and my own determination enabled me to transform hope into reality.
Today, I am thriving in the UK, working as a web developer at a development company. I now possess a travel document from the UK government, granting me the freedom to travel—something once unimaginable for me. My journey is a testament to the fact that with persistence, guidance, and support, even the most challenging circumstances can lead to new beginnings and opportunities. The key takeaway from my story is to never lose hope and tirelessly pursue your dreams.