discussion ATRLers Urgent: Pakistani Gay Refugee in Italy Struggling with Asylum Process

[Gwendolyn]

Posting this on behalf of @Distance

 

"So basically I am a Pakistani gay guy. I came out to my family cause they were forcing me to marry a girl (arranged marriages are super common in Pakistan). When I came out, they beat me up and literally wanted and tried to kill me. So I ran away. I left my country and came to Italy ( where I currently am). When I reached there I heard there is a shortage in refugee camps so government is not taking new refugees in camps right away. They are making us beg and wait weeks atleast so we have to sleep on streets. I "tried" to apply for asylum in a small City Grosseto but they just kept giving me dates and still I have not been able to apply asylum. I think coming to this city was a mistake. Maybe I should try it in another city/region? Maybe in a bigger and more liberal city where I will have more chances of winning asylum? Or should I just try and go to another neighboring country to apply for asylum?  

 

Italian and European atrls I am asking for your guidance. I am desperate for your help ❤️."

Edited June 3, 2023 by Gwendolyn

[The7thStranger]

I would try in the South (Campania and lower). Things are slower, but they are generally more flexible.

[Jotham]

Do you know if there's a way we can raise money for him?

[Pop]

I am so sorry you are going through this. You are unbelievably strong. 

 

Hopefully one of the Italian users on here can be of guidance. 🙏

[Distance]

13 minutes ago, Jotham said:

Do you know if there's a way we can raise money for him?

I don't have any bank account or relevant document but maybe some of you guys can make a GoFundMe or something like that on behalf of me and I will try to find a way for that money to be delivered to me.

[Distance]

19 minutes ago, The7thStranger said:

I would try in the South (Campania and lower). Things are slower, but they are generally more flexible.

Thank you ❤️. Napoli or in some small town/city? 

[Distance]

13 minutes ago, Pop said:

I am so sorry you are going through this. You are unbelievably strong. 

 

Hopefully one of the Italian users on here can be of guidance. 🙏

Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️

[Big Bad Wolf]

Come to the US, I will marry yous!

[Distance]

6 minutes ago, Big Bad Wolf said:

Come to the US, I will marry yous!

Only if it was possible.

[The7thStranger]

20 minutes ago, Distance said:

Thank you ❤️. Napoli or in some small town/city? 

I've never dealt with the administration in Napoli myself (my family is from the area though), so I'm afraid I can't say! I've heard the Benevento region is less strict about residency/citizenship matters.

[Distance]

1 hour ago, The7thStranger said:

I've never dealt with the administration in Napoli myself (my family is from the area though), so I'm afraid I can't say! I've heard the Benevento region is less strict about residency/citizenship matters.

Oh I see. Embarrassing to say but I don't even have money for a train ticket rn 💀. But it's fine I will get on a train, sometimes they don't check tickets, especially when you have to transfer trains once or twice to your destination.

[A.R.L]

You should have come to Spain instead

[Distance]

1 minute ago, A.R.L said:

You should have come to Spain instead

It was not my choice to begin with. They left in Italy. I crossed borders. The smugglers left me in Italy and told me from up there I have to go myself wherever I want to, which is not that easy. in trains/buses there is always border check.

[A.R.L]

7 minutes ago, Distance said:

It was not my choice to begin with. They left in Italy. I crossed borders. The smugglers left me in Italy and told me from up there I have to go myself wherever I want to, which is not that easy. in trains/buses there is always border check.

Ugh!! But regarding your current situation, you said you’ve been giving different appointments? You should ask why, you have the right to know why your appointments are always postponed which I find very strange. Is it a police station or what? 

 

One more thing, find the nearest LGBT association, I'm sure it will be useful to you and also guide you with all the necessary steps you need to start your asylum procedure, don't wait too long, keep any proof you have about your previous appointments, to prove that you are already trying to get protection...

[Distance]

14 minutes ago, A.R.L said:

Ugh!! But regarding your current situation, you said you’ve been giving different appointments? You should ask why, you have the right to know why your appointments are always postponed which I find very strange. Is it a police station or what? 

 

One more thing, find the nearest LGBT association, I'm sure it will be useful to you and also guide you with all the necessary steps you need to start your asylum procedure, don't wait too long, keep any proof you have about your previous appointments, to prove that you are already trying to get protection...

Yes it's a police station. Last time I went there they told me if I want to get accommodation I will have to hire a lawyer, probably because the camp is full, and there is no more space left or else I have to bring an evidence of a place which I am renting so they can start my process. In both cases i am helpless. Can't afford a lawyer and I have no place to rent. 

 

 

Yes that's my plan. From what I have known from internet so far. There are LGBT organizations regarding asylum seekers in some cities (not in the one I am rn). So yes will definitely be going somewhere tommorow. 

[A.R.L]

54 minutes ago, Distance said:

Yes it's a police station. Last time I went there they told me if I want to get accommodation I will have to hire a lawyer, probably because the camp is full, and there is no more space left or else I have to bring an evidence of a place which I am renting so they can start my process. In both cases i am helpless. Can't afford a lawyer and I have no place to rent. 

 

 

Yes that's my plan. From what I have known from internet so far. There are LGBT organizations regarding asylum seekers in some cities (not in the one I am rn). So yes will definitely be going somewhere tommorow. 

First, I'd recommend you go to a city that has LGBT associations, that probably won't solve your problem with a magic wand, but I'm sure it will make a huge difference. Second, you have the right to ask for a public lawyer, it's free, and you don't have to pay anything. In addition, its important to bring proof of rent because by doing so, they can help you pay it.

 

I can already trust that you are gay, if you look/sound like one it will help you a lot, if you have evidence of your story back home, it will be easier to get asylum, but evidence is not necessary as long as you can convince the judge of your story. Good luck and I hope this is a positive new experience for you with lots of great changes. 

Edited June 3, 2023 by A.R.L

[Distance]

14 minutes ago, A.R.L said:

First, I'd recommend you go to a city that has LGBT associations, that probably won't solve your problem with a magic wand, but I'm sure it will make a huge difference. Second, you have the right to ask for a public lawyer, it's free, and you don't have to pay anything. In addition, its important to bring proof of rent because by doing so, they can help you pay it.

 

I can already trust that you are gay, if you look/sound like one it will help you a lot, if you have evidence of your story back home, it will be easier to get asylum, but evidence is not necessary as long as you can convince the judge of your story. Good luck and I hope this is a positive new experience for you with lots of great changes. 

Well didn't know that they offered Public lawyers. People in police station were never cooperative and information on internet is so repetitive and barely helpful and often doesn't relate with the reality. 

 

No proof of rent.. I be sleeping in parks, churches and charge my phone at train station. 

 

Thank you so much. 

[Popboi.]

Italy is a complex case as they don't really support anyone who does illegal entries to the country, especially lately

 

My word of advise as a lawyer (I'm not from Italy though), as you have already made an application the worst case scenario is that it could be rejected, but that doesn't mean you would be forced to go back or be deported. Human right treaties (Italy CAN'T ignore them) give you the right to appeal a rejected request for asylum (don't know how much time you have to appeal in Italy, probably not more than a month), or to make a new one seeking special protection as your life would be objectively in danger of huge harm or death if you were to go back to Pakistan. There's a lot of instances to hold your ground to not go back, on that at least you should be secure.

 

There should be organizations destined to assist refugees, at least providing information on how to apply for a public lawyer (as you don't have any source of income in Italy or proof of income from Pakistan). Also as some said, find LGBTQ+ associations that can help you find safe space.

 

It's a long process that no one should endure... wishing you the best 

Edited June 3, 2023 by Popboi.

[Rosenda]

But why didnt you go to India? It surely woulda been cheaper as well? Italy is one of the worst countries in Europe when it comes to refugees/inmigrants 

[Popboi.]

24 minutes ago, Rosenda said:

But why didnt you go to India? It surely woulda been cheaper as well? Italy is one of the worst countries in Europe when it comes to refugees/inmigrants 

No one who migrates like that really has the luxury of choosing, even if there’s better options.

[Miss Show Business]

Your strength and courage is remarkable! Be PROUD of yourself! I am so sorry you are being faced with this, I hope we are able to help you somehow!

[Robert]

Are applications processed federally or regionally? You may be better in another country if you have the means. Unfortunately there is a strong anti-refugee movement in Europe and Italy is one of the most racist countries with a far-right government. I would suggest seeking aid from refugee or LGBT charities who may be able to help you find somewhere to stay and offer legal aid. Sending love ❤️

Edited June 4, 2023 by Robert

[Gwendolyn]

8 minutes ago, Robert said:

Are applications processed federally or regionally? You may be better in another country if you have the means. Unfortunately there is a strong anti-refugee movement in Europe and Italy is one of the most racist countries with a far-right government. I would suggest seeking aid from refugee or LGBT charities who may be able to help you find somewhere to stay and offer legal aid. Sending love ❤️

If you leave Italy, I recommend Germany or The Netherlands, way more refugee friendly.

 

The UK is going to be dead in the water if they pass the racist migrant bill 

Edited June 4, 2023 by Gwendolyn

[Sergi91]

I’m so sorry you are going through this. I hope you are able to find the help you need and move to a country where you can live free. 

[SmittenCake]

I hope you can make it through this. Do you have a PayPal account? 

 

if you're able to, try to make one. Then people can send money and you can eventually get a card. Sending positive vibes.