Maryam's story reflects those of countless Afghan families torn apart following the fall of Kabul. She arrived to the UK under Operation Pitting when she was just a teenager, but was tragically separated from her family during the evacuation. Stuck in Afghanistan, two of her family members were captured and harmed by the Taliban due to the courageous journalistic work of their relatives elsewhere. Maryam lost her granddad to the attack.

We thought their reunion might never happen because of the lack of a safe route for children to bring parents to the UK and the hurdles of gathering evidence while the family was in hiding, safeguarding their lives. Against all odds, we finally secured leave to remain for Maryam’s family, who were able to reunite after a long and heart-breaking separation.

Upon their arrival in the UK, we helped Maryam's family secure suitable housing. Now, they relish long-awaited moments as a reunited family, finding joy in the simplicity of activities like taking Maryam's younger sister to the playpark.

Unfortunately, current immigration rules cast a shadow of uncertainty over Maryam's family. Their status remains precarious, facing the potential threat of being sent back to Afghanistan after 2.5 years. Sign up for our mailing list today to help us keep fighting for families like Maryam’s and offer refugee children and families a fair chance at a new life.

*Names changed to protect anonymity.