EDUCATION barriers must be removed for asylum seekers and translators who aided UK forces in Afghanistan, it is claimed.

The call is made by community organisation Glasgow Afghan United in its response to Scottish Government efforts to refresh the New Scots strategy, which aims to help recent arrivals settle here.

The group, which works to increase Afghan participation in Scottish society, says too many of its members are missing out on chances to improve their lives and the country’s economy due to problems accessing continuing education. This includes children from asylum seeking families, who may be categorised as international students when applying to universities – a designation that leaves them liable to pay five-figure annual sums.

It also takes in those who Afghans who risked persecution at home as interpreters for British forces.

It is estimated that more than 600 such workers have come to the UK on five-year settlement visas which permit them to work, but come with restrictions on student support.

In a decision dating back around ten years, the Scottish Funding Council will waive the fees for asylum seekers learning English at college or taking another part-time course.

And while there is funding for a limited number of university places through partnerships with charitable trusts, Glasgow Afghan United says the lack of equality must end.

In its statement, the group said: “Asylum seekers and their children should have access to full time higher education and should be allowed financial support.

“They should be treated fairly like any other children of this society.”

On interpreters, it says the lack of entitlement to funding for full time education is “very unfair” to those “who put themselves on a very danger[ous] situation in their own country” by serving on the front lines alongside with British soldiers.”

It continues: “Education is devolved to the Scottish Government, therefore we would urge the Scottish Government to reconsider this matter.”

Abdul Bostani, chair of Glasgow Afghan United, said providing monetary help for these groups would not mean “financial crisis” for the country, but it could help talented people gain the qualifications needed to boost the economy and fill skills gaps.

He said: “Why push people away when they could be an asset? Any student could become a figure of influence – we don’t know. There are many who might not find out because they have no access.”

He continued: “As an interpreter, you are putting yourself at risk, your family at risk, to work with the British Army. The situation is like saying ‘thank you very much for your service for us, come here but we want you to be uneducated’.”

Bostani went on: “These young people with skills who could be doctors or dentists or teachers. Everybody wants to be something.”

The Scottish Government said: “For those seeking a better life, education has a vital role to play, giving them the skills, knowledge and confidence to rebuild their lives and make Scotland their home. We will continue to work with universities, colleges and others to ensure we provide the support we can to enable more asylum seekers and refugees to access education.”

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'They didn't tell me that things would be different for me'

FIVE university offers is cause for celebration in any household. In Adam’s (not his real name), it meant a lifeline for a family still waiting for a decision on their asylum claim after six years in Scotland.

His parents, who had been a teacher and engineer in Afghanistan, believed the news would give their son the chance of a secure future.

However, they were shaken after learning Adam could not take up his place as his asylum status meant he must pay fees for international students, despite his domestic residency. 

With no way to pay the £16,650, Adam, from Glasgow, began telling friends he had decided to take a year out instead of taking his accountancy and finance place at Glasgow University.

However, he has now begun his studies after Maryhill and Springburn MSP Bob Doris helped him secure a grant from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland.

The trust has confirmed that the 19-year-old, who aims to become a chartered accountant, can apply again for each year of his course.

Adam told The National: “Without this, I would have lost a year. I have no right to work, so I was trying to think about volunteering that would be good for my CV later.

“I applied through UCAS just like any other Scottish student. The school didn’t tell me things were different for me.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me – without them, I could never have afforded it. I’ve just had my first lecture and it felt good.”

However, Obaidullah Asadi, a former interpreter to the British Army, has been unable to secure access to his dream course.

Before signing up to help the UK in Afghanistan he worked as a plumber, and aimed to begin this career again after coming to Scotland on a five-year settlement visa.

But regulations on working in a skilled profession here are far different to what he left behind and the father found he would have to retrain to obtain a recognised qualification.

The 30-year-old says he had no idea he would not have the same education rights as Scottish citizens when he applied for the visa, and says he and his fellow interpreters have been let down. Now working part time, he finds it hard to imagine his future.

However, he still intends to make a life here with his wife and toddler and apply for long-term residency.

He said: “We have come here to make our future, our families’ futures. I thought I would become a student, I had that dream, I thought the government would support us. 

“I feel let down and angry. I helped the British and served the country.”