Mohammad, 30. A dental surgeon from Damascus.

Mohammad, 30, is a Qualified Dental Surgeon from Damascus. He’s one of the first recipients of the RefuAid: Equal Access Loan and is borrowing funds in order to take the necessary exams to return to work.

Unable to return to war torn Damascus, Mohammad and his family sought asylum in the UK. He and his family gained refugee status, but in order to requalify to practise dentistry in the UK he needs to cover the cost of retraining, licenses, preparatory courses and exams totalling £7000 “I know that I can pass the exams, but the only obstacle I’ve had to overcome is finding the money to do so”, explained Mohammad.

“When I heard about the RefuAid Loan scheme it was like a dream come true. It’s a fantastic opportunity, almost unbelievable – an interest free loan, no fees, no additional charges and I can pay it back over 4 years in small monthly payments – which will help me to finally be able to practise my own profession again.”

Mohammad continues “There are so many qualified people in the country, wishing they could just do their jobs, but, like me, not being able to practice in the UK because of licensing and training costs.”

“Surely everyone should have a chance to practise their own profession? Especially when you can fill in gaps in local communities, when your skills are in demand. It’s great to have an opportunity not only to support my family doing what I was trained to do, but also to participate in and give back to the local community.”

Since the launch of the loan scheme on the 28th of July we have received over 60 applications, we have a number of incredible applicants who require loans in order to cover the cost of requalification and return to work in the UK. We currently have a waiting list as a result of an £88,000 shortfall in loan capital. We’re appealing for donations in order to expand the loan scheme and support those who need it. The incredible thing about a donation to the RefuAid: Equal Access Loan is that your donation is recycled and lent time and time again to support refugees in the UK return to work.

To support the scheme today please visit: https://www.equalaccessloan.org/donate-1/