In Britain, Afghan woman feels relieved as visa refusal overturned

London [UK], April 4: A woman in Britain who was at risk of being sent back to Afghanistan and feared for her life has spoken of her happiness and excitement at hearing she will be allowed to stay in the UK. The Home Office had previously said Maryam Amiri, who lives in Glasgow and received her first UK visa in 2016, did not meet the criteria for a new spousal visa, and suggested she could safely return to Afghanistan.
But Maryam, a community activist who has spoken out against the Taliban and its approach to women's rights, said she felt threatened and scared of dying if she was forced to return. She told the PA news agency she had begun the appeals process and had been expecting to challenge the Home Office through the courts, but has now been told she will receive another two-and-a-half-year visa in the coming weeks.But she still fears for her family, who she said are facing persecution under the Taliban in Afghanistan, and said she now wants to do more to save them. She said: "I received a call from my lawyer when I was in college. My lawyer said that there is very good news - you will receive your visa in the next two weeks without going to court.
"I can't express my feelings in that moment. I am very happy with the Home Office's fair decision, and I hope that they will make fair decisions in the future, not hastily and unfairly.
"I am very excited to continue with my plans, to start university and continue my social activities. "I feel very safe, but still my thoughts are with my family, who are still in Afghanistan and aren't secure. "I request that the Home Office makes fair decisions regarding my family as soon as possible." Maryam said she had hoped for an indefinite visa, adding: "But still, I'm happy. It's better than sending me back toAfghanistan."
Source: Qatar Tribune