20 Sep 2020
Arezki Yachir achieved top grades in his A-levels this year. Due to his status as an asylum seeker he has said that he cannot take his place at Queen’s University because he is not eligible for a grant or student loan. This policy needs to change. This young person has studied in Northern Ireland since 2014 and received two A* grades and an A grade. He has put in all the hard work needed to build a bright future and to meet his own needs. This final financial hurdle sets a dangerous precedent for young asylum seekers who are studying as hard as they can. Policies and decisions such as this one remove the opportunity for asylum seekers to reach their potential and contribute to the economy to the full extent of their ability.