An SNP MSP today (Thursday) highlighted the success of the SNP Government policy of providing access to higher education for young asylum seekers in a debate at the SNP Conference today. Supporting an amendment to a motion calling on the UK Government to consider allowing asylum seekers the right to work to support themselves and their families, Mr Doris drew attention to the plight of many destitute asylum seekers and their families due to UK policy and highlighted one of his constituents - Abdirahman Mohamed.

When Abdirahman arrived in Scotland as a 16 years fleeing Somalia with his mother and family he could speak little English but now thanks to the SNP Government funding of young asylum seekers in Higher Education he is entering his second year at the Glasgow School of Art excelling in his Visual Communication degree.

Welcoming conferences support for the motion and the amendment and the steps taken by the SNP Government to improve the lives of young asylum seekers in Scotland since coming to power Mr Doris said: "In July 2007 Abdirahman contacted me to ask for help. He had made his family proud and had gained highers in English, Maths, Geography and Physics. Like any other student he wanted to go to university to study. The stumbling block - an £11,000 a year price tag as Scottish Universities designated asylum seekers as overseas students and charged accordingly.

"A terrible irony considering asylum seekers are not even allowed to work never mind find a wholly unrealistic sum of money.

"However our new SNP Government stepped in and worked with colleges and universities. If colleges and universities were willing to use their discretion to classify Abdirahman and others in his situation as 'home' students then the Scottish Government would reimburse those fees.

"I am delighted to say that both the Scottish Government and our Higher Education sector delivered for Abdirahman and others like him.

"I spoke to Abdirahman before coming up to Conference to see how he was doing. I am pleased to say that his family now have 'leave to remain' in Scotland and Abdirahman has just started the second year of his degree and is now a very successful undergraduate at the Glasgow School of Art.

"Abdi send his best wishes to everyone at our Conference today and says thank you for delivering for him and his family.

"Such stories demonstrate all that is good in Scottish society and how we can enrich our society. It demonstrates how Scotland can lead the way to ensure that the children of asylum seekers have the same civic rights as Scottish children and is another example of the SNP Government changing people's lives for the better."

Notes:

1. Conference resolution and amendment.

ASYLUM SEEKERS

Conference notes with great concern the growing number of destitute asylum seekers in Scotland.

Conference demands that the Westminster Government create a fairer asylum system and considers options such as allowing asylum seekers the right to work to support themselves and their families.

Conference further notes that destitution is also an issue for the Scottish Government and local authorities, and calls on both to take positive action to support destitute asylum seekers who are at risk of violence, have children or a variety of health problems.

YOUNG SCOTS FOR INDEPENDENCE

Amendment A
Insert after "support themselves and their families":
In contrast, Conference congratulates the SNP Government's commitment to creating a fairer asylum system and indeed its track record so far in giving children of asylum seekers the same rights as other children in terms of tuition fees and free nursery provision.

BOB DORIS MSP
ANNE MCLAUGHLIN, ELECTED MEMBER

2. In August 2007 Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary For Education pledged to pay the home fees of asylum seeker children that were under 25 and had legacy status (had been in the country for over three years) and have achieved the appropriate Scottish qualifications for accessing their courses.

The Government release can be read here.

3. Abdirahman Mohamad, originally from Somalia, stays in Sighthill, Glasgow with his mother and family.