Yusuf, a 50-year-old asylum seeker, came to the United Kingdom from Somalia more than twenty years ago to claim asylum. For most of that time, he lived and worked in the country legally. But recently, after being involved in a “serious” assault case, his right to work was taken away. Since then, Yusuf says his life has become unbearable, and he has been pleading with the Home Office for the past five months to deport him back to Somalia.
“This country is not safe, but my country Somalia is now safe. I want to go back,” Yusuf told Sky News. His statement shocked many, since Somalia is still struggling with conflict and insecurity. The country has faced a civil war since 1991, and violent attacks from armed groups remain common. Still, Yusuf says he feels Somalia will be safer for him than living in Nuneaton, a Midlands town in the UK.
The situation in Nuneaton has grown tense in recent weeks. Anti-migrant protests have turned violent, with anger directed at asylum seekers placed in the town. According to Home Office statistics, Nuneaton has 19 asylum seekers for every 10,000 residents. That puts the town 87th in the country for asylum seekers per capita.
Many residents refused to speak openly about the issue, fearing they would be accused of racism. But others said the government had failed both locals and asylum seekers, leading to rising tensions.
Yusuf’s unusual plea highlights the pressure faced by migrants in small UK towns, where public anger over immigration is growing. It also shows the deep frustration of people like him, who came seeking safety but now feel trapped and unwelcome.
