#DucMakesGlasgow: Trafficking victim wins refugee status after campaign

Mr Nguyen, who was initially refused asylum in 2017, was taken to a detention centre next to Heathrow ahead of deportation to Vietnam, despite clear evidence that he had been trafficked and forced into labour on a UK cannabis farm, which had resulted in a prison sentence.

The eleventh-hour appeal came after the support of his Glasgow community, in particular local community organisation Lambhill Stables, Possilpark Parish Church, St Andrews East Parish Church and activists at Glasgow’s Unity Centre.

The groups worked together with Mr Nguyen’s Scottish Green councillor Kim Long who spearheaded a social media campaign #DucMakesGlasgow which then received cross-party support.

Mr Nguyen then waited two years for refugee status, which has now been granted with permission to stay in the UK for five years.

Mr Nguyen said: “It is a huge relief. I am waiting on my ID and national insurance number arriving, but everything is quite slow because of the lockdown. I am ready to get a job and just be a normal Scottish person. I am ready for Scotland!

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has put their efforts in supporting me. Even those I’ve never met! I would like to say thank you to Scotland.”

Ms Long said: “I am delighted that Duc has finally gained refugee status after everything he has endured, not just at the hands of human traffickers but also at the hands of the institutionally racist UK hostile environment policy. I started the #DucMakesGlasgow campaign after Duc, who was a victim of human trafficking, was suddenly put in detention and informed he had just one week before deportation, likely to his death.

“This should never have happened. However, Glasgow responded magnificently - calling the airline, writing letters, turning up at his bail hearing. We will keep fighting for all new Glaswegians like him. Duc deserved refugee status all along, and I am delighted he has won.”