System ‘more than broken’ as case exceeds two years, says asylum seeker

LONDON: Ibrahim Altaqatqa, a Hebron-born asylum seeker from the West Bank, says the UK immigration system is “more than broken” as his case has remained unresolved for more than two years. Although he submitted all documents required for his asylum application long ago, he now finds himself unable to return home—especially after beginning a new life in the United Kingdom following his marriage.

In an interview, Ibrahim explained that seeking asylum became essential for him, as he has built a family with his British partner, Yvonne. The couple have a one-month-old daughter, Alisha. He added that there are deeper reasons he cannot return, including his strong involvement in political activism and public awareness campaigns in the West Bank—activities that he believes put his life at serious risk.

“I can’t just be stuck like this,” he said. “I can’t spend day after day waiting for someone to say, ‘OK, we give you a decision.’”

Ibrahim expressed his desire to move forward with his life and be granted the right to work while living in the UK. He questioned the long delays in the asylum system:

“I don’t think you need two years to process any asylum claim. I don’t think any case is that complicated. I’m not single anymore—I have responsibilities now.”

Ibrahim originally entered the UK on a tourist visa before applying for asylum. During the prolonged wait for a decision, he met Yvonne, and the couple recently welcomed their daughter. Despite his family ties and fears of persecution due to his political work, his asylum claim remains unsettled.

Sadiq Khan