‘Uncertain future’ for Omagh students due to visa status

BAHAA and Omar Bayan, along with their families, have lived in Omagh for the past five years.

The two brothers, originally from Syria, are media students at South West College and are set to graduate near the top of their class. But their future is now in doubt due to uncertainty around their visa status. Their five-year refugee visa has come to an end, leaving them unsure of their right to work or continue studying in the UK.

Under current rules, individuals granted refugee status typically receive leave to remain for five years, after which they can apply for permanent residency.

However, in December 2024, the Home Office withdrew its country policy and information notes on Syria, stating: ‘Due to current events in Syria, we are reviewing the situation and will issue an update in due course’.

This change has left around 6,500 Syrian nationals in the UK – including Bahaa and Omar – in limbo, with decisions on their asylum claims paused indefinitely.

“We don’t know what to do, and we’re getting no guidance from the Home Office,” said Bahaa. “Whenever we ring for an update, the person on the phone just hangs up. We don’t even get to give our names or case details.

With no permanent residency, the brothers have found it difficult to secure work.

“We are both about to graduate but are at a massive disadvantage when applying for jobs.

“I have applied for 30 positions locally but have been rejected each time because I don’t have permanent residency.

“It is not safe yet in Syria but we have made lives here and want to stay.”

The pair had planned to continue their education at university, but those plans are now on hold.

Their older brother is in an even more difficult situation.

Now a father, he lives with his wife and baby, but his rental lease is ending and with no confirmed right to remain, he’s unsure whether he’ll be able to find a new home.

“Our brother is really struggling,” Bahaa said. “Like us, he’s waiting for a decision, but without residency documents, it’s hard to secure housing.”

The brothers and their family are also not allowed to leave the country even to visit family members. Recently, a tragedy befell their sister who lives in Turkey when her child died.

Due to their visa status, her brothers and mother and father have not been able to visit her.

Earlier this year, Bahaa and Omar were featured in the Ulster Herald for their work on ‘Unseen’, a short documentary amplifying the voices of Ukrainian women impacted by war.

The 12-minute film was released on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.

Despite their contributions to the community, the family’s future in Omagh remains uncertain.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Home Office has paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims while we assess the current situation.

“We keep all country guidance under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues.”