Obeida has been seeking asylum in the UK since fleeing Sudan four years ago, during which he has applied then appealed twice for refugee status but been denied. Suffering from leprosy Obeida needs constant medical attention, ruling that he must remain in the UK until he is well enough to return, which could be a very long time.
Obeida is suffering from extreme stress and has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. His mental health is weak and fast deteriorating, partly due to haunting memories from the consequences of conflict in his home country and greatly exasperated by the desperate lifestyle he now endures.
Obeida has been shunted between various hostels before arriving at the latest one in Hounslow. A devout Muslim, Obeida felt unable to read his Koran or pray in his room, which he shared with a stranger from Eritrea, as he was unsure whether the man would be offended if he did. He was forced to go through another person’s bedroom just to use the toilet; if the other person wasn’t in – and he often wasn’t – he couldn’t use the facilities as he wasn’t entitled to a key.
There are no quick fix solutions for Obeida, he has agreed to the UK’s terms and conditions and agreed to return to his own country, despite the risk. In the mean time he has two options: either stay in the hostel where he feels totally unsafe, or become homeless.
