I am 46 years old, I am from Syria and I have been in Greece since 2006. I lived without papers until 2015, when I gained refugee asylum.
I found work through acquaintances who speak Arabic. Language was a big problem. I mainly worked in construction, but I also have knowledge in cooking. You must already have experience to find a job. There is no organization that trains or helps find work. As a refugee, I had the rights of the unemployed and the state provided me with a monthly allowance. I have not identified any generalised problem in the field of labour. Now that all applications for papers are done online, I have a problem. I applied for a residence permit, but it hasn’t been checked. Up close it was better because communication was more direct. Now they are delaying and I am practically in the country illegally. I can’t hand over paperwork papers.
When I got asylum, I also got Social Security insurance, so I had full access to all health services free of charge. There is a lot of pressure on the health system in general, but I see that there is understanding. There are no interpreters appointed for the needs of migrants. If you don’t speak Greek, you need to have someone you know with you who can help you with the language.
I have the right to attend night school. I know how the education system works. I learned all this on my own, from acquaintances and from a lawyer. Although I did not complete my studies in Syria, the education I have is recognized. I am interested in continuing my education.
The European Union says that three years after legal residence, one has the right to take a citizenship test. The same is true in Greece. Soon I will take exams for the acquisition of Greek citizenship.
There are not many houses available to rent and rents are very expensive. There is a way to get housing assistance through benefits.
There needs to be support for the language and skills training so that we can find a job later. Everything else comes next, and anyone who wants can have it.
My political participation is necessary, because I live in this country. I feel human when I have rights, when I can express my opinion and vote. When you are honest and serious, you are accepted and integrated into society. To integrate, however, you have to accept customs. I believe I could be a member of the Migration Council and help translate, provide information and generally support those in need. I would like to set up an organisation that offers support. I believe that all immigrants should be given legal documents. They must be socially integrated and the laws towards them must not be so strict.
