On 1 November 2025, I wrote an article about Ghufran, a Syrian single mother. Her Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) was due to expire on 1 September 2024, and she was supposed to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) three months before that date. Unfortunately, due to her severe mental health problems and lack of family or social support, she missed the deadline. She eventually managed to submit her ILR application on 31 October 2024.
Loss of financial support
During this period, her Universal Credit and Adult Disability Payment benefits were stopped. She had no access to public funds and could not pay her rent or buy food. She relied on food banks and sometimes had to stay with friends, as she could not afford electricity or hot water in her home.
Community support from Glasgow’s central mosque
During this difficult time, Ghufran explained that Glasgow Central Mosque helped her a lot; from paying her rent to providing food. She is thankful that she is surrounded by a supportive community and faith group.
Why this story mattered to me
When I wrote my previous article, I was expecting that someone might take up Ghufran’s case and that her problems would eventually be resolved. But it did not happen as I had expected.
Like other journalists, Ghufran’s story was not just a piece of journalism for me. It was a story that highlighted the cruelty and complicated processes that many people have to go through. Many other cases remain unheard. Because of my own immigrant journey, she felt safe and comfortable with me and could open up about her pain.
Ghufran was a human being to me, someone who needed urgent help and support.
Campaigning and collective action
I worked tirelessly with the Mothers Against Genocide Scotland campaign group. They helped me set up an online campaign template through which people, from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, sent reminders to John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland.
Through collective effort and strong community support, we were ultimately successful in resolving Ghufran’s case. Before Christmas, her Universal Credit and Adult Disability Payment were reinstated, and after the New Year 2026, she returned to new council accommodation.
I am blessed that I was able to write Ghufran’s story and help resolve a very crucial case that had been ignored for more than a year.
Acknowledgement of political support
Special thanks to Martin Rhodes, her MP, who kept her informed about every update and assured her that he would do his best to resolve the case and eventually did.
Many thanks also to Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities in Scotland; Paul Sweeney MSP, Shadow Minister for Mental Health; Kate Nevens; Patrick Harvie MSP; Maggie Chapman MSP; Councillor Seonad Hoy; and Councillor Graham Campbell. They all played an important role in moving this campaign forward, and through collective effort, we were able to resolve Ghufran’s issues.
Gratitude to supporters and community
I also received a great deal of emotional and guidance support from the Human Rights Scotland team.
I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who stood with me and contributed to this outcome. Your solidarity made my work as a journalist, activist, and campaigner, both impactful and successful.
Thank you, Bylines Scotland team for publishing Ghufran’s story and to the Scottish people for supporting this campaign.
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