It is scary and it's not safe on the streets

JOURNALIST'S BATTLE FOR A HOME AFTER HE IS GRANTED ASYLUM

- PAUL BRITTON

A JOURNALIST with two university degrees is living on the streets of Greater Manchester in a tent after his application for asylum was approved.

Sohayb Farag, 29, has been told by a council in a letter seen by the M.E.N. that he does 'not have a priority need for accommodation.

Sohayb has nowhere to go - and only the clothes on his back, a mobile phone, a laptop and some personal belongings he carries around in a rucksack. He's been sleeping rough since October 19, moving around to find shelter as winter nears, and has reached out to the M.E.N. for help.

Sohayb, who revealed he was a staff journalist for news channel Al Jazeera in Qatar, says he's struggling to access support from Trafford council. "I believe that my story needs to be highlighted, not just for my sake but to ensure that this dire situation is not repeated with others," he said.

"It is scary and it is not safe on the streets. In the night, anything can happen. I slept near to Fallowfield Park one week and I was shouted at by people who were smoking drugs. Sometimes I cannot sleep because it is so cold at night.

"Assisting me in finding accommodation would enable me to actively search for employment, which I believe will make me a valuable contributor to the community"

The M.E.N. caught up with Qatarborn Sohayb in a public park in Sale - the old tent he has borrowed from a friend he was living with as he sought asylum pitched up under a tree for shelter from the rain. He uses cafes with charging points to keep his phone and laptop running, but struggles to find places to wash and keep his clothes clean, often having to rely on friends. He has a few sleeping bags and a pair of trainers.