When Sabeen arrived in the UK seeking safety from Pakistan, she had no idea she would spend many years in limbo, waiting for safety, stability and the chance to be reunited with her husband. 

“I had a lot of struggles. There were times when I slept on the bus. I was just trying to survive.” 

Like many women seeking asylum, Sabeen’s journey through the asylum system was long and uncertain. She waited for many years, all the time supporting her siblings through their physical and mental health difficulties – consequences of the persecution they experienced in Pakistan.  

Throughout this time, one thing remained constant: her relationship with her husband, Atif.  

But years passed as the couple remained forcibly apart. “My mental and physical health were bad, I was quite unwell. It impacted me very badly. I had to go through so many struggles without the support of my husband: surgery, homelessness, so much stress.” 

During this time, Sabeen kept herself busy volunteering at local charity shops and at organisations that were supporting her. “Volunteering makes me happy, it means I can meet people and give back.” Through her volunteering, Sabeen has made lifelong friends and built community in London, something she couldn’t wait for her husband to experience one day.  

As soon as Sabeen was granted refugee status and the protection she needs, she applied for refugee family reunion for her husband. But the process was far from straightforward.  

Sabeen spent a year gathering evidence to prove her relationship to the Home Office. She collected hundreds of documents, including marriage photographs, phone records, text messages, and statements from family and friends. “At times, it felt too overwhelming and stressful. It was hundreds of pieces of evidence. I couldn’t have done it without the support of Women for Refugee Women.” 

The moment Sabeen received the call from WRW and learned that Atif’s family reunion application had been approved is one she will never forget. “I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy. We were so happy. The whole family was screaming.” 

“All this time he was waiting for me and I was waiting for him, and now it is coming true.” 

Sabeen met her husband at the airport, ending years of forced separation. “I still remember the date, the feeling.”   

While life remains challenging, being together has transformed everyday life. “We eat together, we support each other, we have fun. Even when life is hard, now he is here to support me, to hug me, and to tell me that everything will be ok.” 

Now they are reunited, Sabeen dreams of a stable, happy home and of starting a family. But years of separation has taken its toll. “I am worried all the time about whether we will be able to have a baby. If we did not have to wait so long to be reunited, we might have a child now. I am not sure if I can still have children and the years wasted when we were apart haunt me.” 

But Atif helps keep them hopeful. “My husband comforts me, he reminds me that we are a family, and together we can do difficult things.” 

For Sabeen, her experience highlights why family reunion is so important. After years forced apart, she knows better than most the cost of keeping families separated and the difference that reunion makes. “Family reunion heals people, it stops their pain and their struggles. It makes them healthy and happy again.” 

To those hoping to reunite with their families, Sabeen shares, “Lean on your support networks and organisations that can support you. WRW are the reason my husband is here with me now. Get legal advice and don’t give up.” 

And to the Government, Sabeen says, “Reinstate family reunion now. Stop causing harm. Family is family and everyone should be with their loved ones.”

If you believe families belong together, join our campaign to fight for refugee family reunion. Find out more here.