News in 2006

23rd August 2006

The human face of success from abroad

Mary Ivanova Teacher, 54, arrived four years ago from Bulgaria

I was an English teacher and worked for 32 years in a school in south-east Bulgaria, in a town called Yambol. My children are grown-up, one is married, so I thought I didn't have to look after them any more. I felt free to look for my own future. I had a friend in London and it took me only a week to find work here. I teach English as a second language to foreigners, and Bulgarian and Russian to English people. Most Londoners are very polite, I know of only one person who doesn't like foreigners and makes no secret of it. I have friends from many countries because of my job, but I also have many Bulgarian friends. We support each other emotionally and practically. I am glad I came, it gave me lots of opportunities to develop myself.

Mohamed Maigag Charity Director, 38, arrived 21 years ago from Somalia

My parents and I were asylum-seekers - my father would have been prosecuted if we'd been sent back to Somalia. It took us four years to gain refugee status. I completed my education in Britain: I read religious and Islamic studies at the University of Wales before undertaking postgraduate study. After that I worked as a freelance interpreter in various courts, including the Old Bailey. I eventually set up my own interpretation business. I helped to develop the Haringey Somali Community and Cultural Organisation, working as a youth leader there. I am an avid Arsenal fan, and also tour with my Somali band - we will be playing at the Museum of London later this year.

Mario Nova Building Consultant, 26, came three years ago from Poland

I think England is a really good country as the Government is helpful for Polish people.

When I first came here it was difficult to find work. I didn't have any friends here and it was a struggle to survive. A lot of Polish people in London get really bad jobs and are pushed to the edge, you have to have a strong personality.

I eventually found employment in construction and set up Polish Staff, a free service which helps skilled Polish workers to find work. I work 12-14 hours a day and pay taxes, every Polish friend I have pays taxes. I didn't come here for benefits and I've never used the NHS; I came here for something different.

Salah Hashimi Lawyer, 32, came to Britain from Iraq 16 years ago

I studied architecture at university but was inspired to become a lawyer while an undergraduate. I had an excellent professor, a wonderful old gentleman who really supported me. Because of him, I decided to become a solicitor.

At first, being Iraqi, it was very difficult to be recognised as a good lawyer, so I started my own practice. I called it Pinnacle, because I think we are capable of attaining the height of legal principles.

Today I deal mainly with civil litigation and human rights cases, many involving newly arrived Iraqi immigrants. I feel closest to them because of the difficulty they have integrating into British society. I try to maintain close relations with my family back in Iraq, but I have not been there since 1990.

Ovidiu Sarpe Restaurateur, 59, left Romania 27 years ago for UK

I left five kids without a mother in Romania back in 1979 - I needed to work hard for them. Ceausescu had promised free speech and travel in 1977, but it didn't come. At that time it was quite a crime to ask "why?" - I did and I lost my job. It was getting difficult and I needed to leave the country. I got a job as a waiter at a hotel. It's been tough and I've worked very hard. Sometimes I wish I could've given my children more time. When you work in Romania you get paid €100 a month. It's a huge difference here - you work on a building site for a month and can buy an apartment - anyone would be attracted by that.

The experts' view

Industry: Richard Lambert, Director General, CBI

"The UK has benefited from the hard work of migrants. They have helped with skills shortages across the economy. But it is only right that the UK now takes the time to reflect on how and when to welcome the next phase of EU accession countries."

Healthcare: Dr Beverley Malone Royal College Of Nursing

"UK nursing has been shaped and influenced by overseas nurses. Beyond any doubt, the contribution they make is as staggering as it is welcome. In some parts of the country health services would be struggling without overseas nurses."

Education: Brian Lightman, Head of St Cyres school in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan

"We have students whose background brings different languages, religions and cultures from each of the continents.We take pride in preparing our students for life in our multi-cultural society."

Armed Forces: Colonel David Allfrey Deputy in Charge of Army Recruiting

"We have a great tradition in the forces of recruiting from our minorities as well as abroad, and they have provided excellent service to this country. I am learning a lot more about just how wonderfully rich and diverse our culture is."

Arts: Brian Sewell, Art Critic

"I don't think there have been many artists among the recent European immigrants. However, a number from Africa, India and the West Indies are now quite celebrated; Chris Ofili, above, [born in Britain to Nigerian parents] for example."

Science: Professor Julia Higgins Vice-President and Foreign Secretary of The Royal Society

"Science is a truly global endeavour, and the UK has benefited from the circulation of scientific talent. Nobel Prize winners such as the American James Watson, above, help create intellectual hotspots."

Sport: David Moorcroft CEO, UK Athletics

"One thing I am proud of is that we are the most diverse and equitable of sports. Immigration over the past 30 or 40 years has been a huge benefit to athletics. We would not have had the success we have if immigration policy had been more restrictive."

Source: The Independent