Me in UK in 1999 as child refugee from Afghanistan.
Today got featured by
@thetimes
@TimesMagazine
as a doc saving lives in NHS & world-wide.
All possible because of receiving compassion & safety. Let's show kindness to many others like me.
How started How going
Dad is in Kabul clinic with COVID. I called him from NHS work. I thought he must feel sad his son wasn't treating him. He said, "I'm ok, son, go treat to your patients." Afghan people have abundance of compassion for others. Wish the world would help rather than abandon them.
I was forced to leave Afghanistan in 1999 and my nephew left last year.
I found safety in the UK and realised my dream to become a doctor.
He's also found safety in Sweden and is pursuing his passion to become an entrepreneur.
We, refugees, are dreamers, not random numbers.
I'm a 'foreign' doctor and so honoured to serve anyone in the NHS.
Who else is proud to serve as a 'foreigner' in the NHS and receive treatment from them?
As a healthcare worker, I'm physically & mentally exhausted from wearing PPE for 18+ months. We have sacrificed colleagues & our health. And we have lost thousands of innocent lives. As a sign of respect & solidarity, at least, we expect everyone to wear masks in clinical areas.
As a refugee in 1999, I was given safety by the UK government, which I'm now repaying by proudly saving lives in the NHS. Today, I'm feeling utterly numb to see the change since my arrival that new refugees, some arriving by boats, could be forced to drown without consequences.
Was just speaking to dad in Afghanistan, listening to his broken voice saying how children & women are begging on streets, collecting bottles, and polishing shoes just to get some bread home to survive. That's the new year in Afghanistan if international community cares to know.
Just home from frontline ED, late shifts every weekend since pandemic. And I'm horrified to see images of anti-lockdown protesters in London.
Devastating for NHS staff spending entire year serving public, losing colleagues, risking our lives & families. Is this what we deserve?
From our
@NHSuk
family to yours, we wish you happy holidays.
I'm honoured to be standing shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues coming from different backgrounds to serve the public. This is what solidarity looks like.
I left Afghanistan because my life was in danger, I didn't want to kill as a 'soldier' & had no future. It wasn't 'pull' of hotels in UK! I was sleeping on council flat sofas for years but was still happy knowing I was safe & welcomed. Other refugees risk lives for same reasons.
Tale of two generations of displacement
My nephews left Afghanistan for Sweden 2 years ago. They're excelling at school/ college and are giving back to their local community.
I came to the UK from Afghanistan more than 2 decades ago. I became a doctor humanitarian and am
On World Refugee Day, I'm sharing my humble journey from seeking safety to becoming a doctor:
. 1999 - forced to leave family in Afghanistan to seek safety in UK aged 15 having lived childhood in war and camps
. 2001 - started college (A-levels) with not much formal education or
Graduating from
@Cambridge_Uni
7 years after arriving in the UK as an alone child refugee from Afghanistan with little formal education - I guess it counts as "I did that" challenge?
Dad is sadly critical with COVID in Wazir Akbar Khan hospital, Afghanistan. Amazed by dedication of Afghan medical colleagues despite lack of resources & salaries. Their service is testament to humanity. Least we can do is provide them resources to help humanitarian crisis.
I am spending new years eve with my nephew, Elyas, and his family, newly displaced from Afghanistan.
His new year wish is to continue going to school just like all other children.
He is wishing you all happy new year. Say hello 👋
Nearly 18 months into pandemic, like many frontline healthcare workers, I'm feeling exhausted.
As we march unknowingly into 'freedom day', can I ask everyone to adhere to prevention measures to save ourselves and the NHS?
We will battle on but can only do it with your help. RT
I work as an emergency doctor in the NHS but can only save lives if I work alongside my 'skilled' colleagues, including nursing assistants, carers, porters and domestics. If they are asked to "retrain and get better paid jobs", there would be no NHS and no care. Simple!
I fled Afghanistan thro 'irregular' routes as 'legal' ones didn't exist, they don't (family members tried)!
If Nationality&Borders Bill was in place, I would've been sent to offshore detention centre losing my rights & dreams. Is this what UK MPs have voted for future refugees?
Hi Darren, hope this enlightens you:
There are no 'legal' routes for most fleeing conflict so have to risk their lives to find safety -human right.
They bring their dreams to succeed & give back. I was one of those 'illegals', now I'm saving lives of people like yourself in NHS.
Finished my shift in A&E then took my son to another A&E closer to home. 6.5 hours wait (18 for adults!) Experiencing other side as a patient, v sad to see long waits for patients. Even more so when told there's one senior running department. NHS needs serious attention!
My father sent me this picture from Afghanistan to say hello and reassure me that he's ok after a broken leg and a recent operation.
He spreads his love despite spending 45 years in war & displacement.
This is what hope & resilience look like. Join me in sending him love back.
I started in this shop within a few weeks of coming to UK from Afghanistan, so eager to work and study to have a new life away from conflict and contribute to the people who had given me sanctuary.
The shopkeeper gave me a job with no experience and not much command of English.
From clearing rubbles of our bombed home in Afghanistan, I came to UK as 15yr old boy.
I had no family or 'education' but €100 & a dream to save lives.I was told it was impossible.
Today, I'm so happy my memoir is announced.
Hope it inspires others to
#NeverGiveUp
on dreams.
I've started my A&E shift today in crisis-ridden NHS. Having come from Afghanistan, I feel really proud to give back standing alongside my dedicated colleagues, many of whom are fellow refugees and migrants and are working extremely hard. Their service needs acknowledging.
I was about to break down in this interview recalling the horrors of conflict experienced by myself & my family. Millions of Afghans are suffering, everyone sees it now. That's why we need to show more compassion to refugees. Please listen & I hope you will share widely 🙏.
Dr. Waheed Arian(A&E Dr & former Afghan refugee) - We will see refugees coming to our shores... we need to start showing more compassion... so the anti-refugee bill needs to be scrapped.. so we can provide compassion to these people...
#BBCBreakfast
My magical moment today -
On my way to hospital work, I was getting a drink in a shop when I overheard kids speaking in Dari. They waved and said hello with a familiar warm smile. They were Afghan refugee kids from a local hotel I had visited before meeting them and their
Dad was on brink of ventilation & sad ending in Kabul when NHS UK & Afghan medics collaborated digitally saving his life. He's still critical but recovering.
Compassion has no boundaries unless we create them. Many other Afghan & refugee lives can be saved, they need us now.
Can't deny the rising nervousness in ED, esp., after admitting a young v ill colleague.
But I want to share a picture that shows the
#spirit
of our
#healthcare
professionals.
With
#solidarity
, we will win against
#Covid_19
!
But we want public to help us, please
#StayHome
. RT
Few here are complaining why I said 'Happy Holidays'. This is to say Merry Christmas to them.
I respect other religions and festivities, and even try to take shifts so my colleagues can enjoy festive time with their families.
Let's show some unity and love. Enough with hatred.
I saw images of body parts of little children blown up in Gaza. I started sobbing. They took me straight to the times in Afghanistan conflict when our
(and other people's) loved ones would be returned in bags but only their body parts.
It's the most horrific feeling when you
If you didn't get your desired results today, don't give up.
I went from stocking shelves in a corner shop as a refugee to becoming an NHS doctor.
I failed. Failed. And failed again before I achieved my dream.
It's in failing that we learn how to overcome & how to be better.
A picture I took at start of pandemic.
Dedicated
#NHS
colleagues, coming from diverse backgrounds, standing shoulder to shoulder fighting pandemic. I'm proud to continue serving people alongside them.
With
#solidarity
, we continue to fight
#COVID
. Are you still supporting us?
I've been off Twitter and it's my birthday, so, hello 👋 everyone.
Mental health issues can affect anyone. I had to take a break, focus on my mind/body, and spend time with family.
👨🏾⚕️ I can physically sustain the long hours of working as a doctor in the NHS, leading our global
Coming from Afghanistan as a refugee to the UK, with few words of English and hardly any formal education, I started pursuing my dream to make a difference.
Today, I'm appointed a
@thetimes
health commissioner to review our healthcare for all.
Never give up on your dreams.
On International
#MigrantsDay
, I'm sharing my journey, again, from seeking safety to becoming a doctor, to show one example of how migration helps our society:
. 1999 - forced to leave family in Afghanistan to seek safety in UK aged 15 having lived childhood in war and camps
.
Since coming to UK as refugee, I've always seen compassion & fairness in people above any discrimination.
But today's decision to deport refugees from conflict zones like Afghanistan & Syria, but not those 'close' to us, has made me question the society we live in. Heartbroken!
Dad was fighting for life with Covid in Kabul intensive care. He just said Eid Mubarak to me without needing oxygen- best Eid gift.
His was saved by Afghan medics supported by NHS UK medics. Sadly, millions are starving & countless are dying, all forgotten! We can & should help.
Got Covid19.
Symptoms started with high temperatures, upto 40 degrees Celsius (38 lowest), body pains, shivering, difficulty in breathing. And they're not easing off.
Plz share with those worried about Christmas. Remember yr health, of yr loved ones & of the NHS staff like me.
Despite my belief that we are all compassionate human beings, I'm heartbroken to know that there are some who would want to see refugees drown in the sea rather than rescued by boats. Speechless!
My nephews are overjoyed by your welcoming messages. As I said goodbye and left them to continue rebuilding their lives in Sweden after leaving everything behind in Afghanistan, I asked them for a message to the world, they said:
"We want peace and love, and deserve to be
Thanks so much everyone for your compassion towards refugees. I'm passionate about refugees, global and mental health. I would love us to build a kind community to protect the world’s most vulnerable and traumatised people. Please join me in this mission to bring a change.
Another Channel tragedy! Refugees are not disposable numbers.Each has a reason, family, dream& potential. When I left Afghanistan alone risking my life I was terrified but had a hope that there're kind people who'd show me compassion. Now I save lives.Others deserve same chance.
I've struggled to cope with humanitarian crisis facing my family & millions of people in Afghanistan. There's no hope!
Thanks to NHS family for embracing me warmly. It's honour to give as former refugee during festivity & I feel less lonely.
Thanks for supporting & checking in.
We, migrants, are not to blame for the NHS crisis, rise in cost of living, or even PPE 'mismanagement'.
I suggest people read
@mrjamesob
's new book for possible explanations.
On International
#MigrantsDay
, I'm sharing my journey, again, from seeking safety to becoming a doctor, to show one example of how migration helps our society:
. 1999 - forced to leave family in Afghanistan to seek safety in UK aged 15 having lived childhood in war and camps
.
Can the media give some detailed coverage to the plight of refugees staying in similar hotels as Djokovic's? Their lives and fight for safety is surely more important than a tennis title.
Children who've suffered trauma from conflict or in other ways, need a safe space to heal, not being locked away at homes, hotels or detention centres.
Seeing my nephews Elyas and Suleman, who are newly displaced from Afghanistan, play safely is pure happiness.
Thanks every1 for yr heartfelt messages for my father suffering from COVID in Afghanistan. He's deteriorated but stable. Dad's fortunate to receive oxygen, basic medicine, doctor's help (Afghan & NHS). But millions of Afghans & refugees are not. We need to support them urgently.
I sincerely thank you all for supporting and voting for me. The Best Doctor Award is a collective achievement of all healthcare colleagues, a triumph for refugees and a dedication to war-stricken Afghan people. I hope this will bring a smile on their faces.
#WhoCaresWinsAwards
Quick reminder that the vast majority of our society and country is filled with hardworking, welcoming people who radiate warmth and goodness every day.
Let's not forget that, despite the few negative voices we sometimes encounter, the sun is still shining, and goodness
What does it mean to be a refugee? As they continue to be dehumanised and politicised, on World Refugee Day, I'm proudly re-sharing my journey of losing loved ones and everything I knew to finding a safe 'home' and realising a dream:
. 1999 - forced to leave family in
Other asylum-seekers also have faces, families to protect, stories to tell, dreams to pursue and contributions to make.
Politicising and dehumanising them is simply inhumane!
Has anyone bothered including refugees in racial report?
As UK asylum seeker in 2000, I was NOT allowed to work. And I couldn't study full time so took A-levels in 3 different colleges.
Countless others have faced this. Is this not 'structural racism' in education and economy?
Extremely saddened and triggered by the death of an asylum-seeker on a barge in UK, likely by suicide.
As refugees continued to be dehumanised & politicised, this is a plea from a doctor and former asylum-seeker whose face you might see in the NHS even if you can't see thousands
Publication day, had to scrub up for a new pic.
Some key messages of my book are:
. Hope in face of adversity is live-saving
. Healing from trauma is possible
. Contributions of refugees are immense, my journey is one example of many
Hope you read it. Thank you for supporting!
My heart is bleeding for my family & 1000s of civilians in Afghanistan who lost loved ones,r displaced & lack living necessities.Receiving gruesome images, speaking with family & charity medical colleagues daily is triggering my childhood conflict trauma,bursting into tears 1/2
Paddington, a refugee symbol, was a friend of HM The Queen.
To honour her friendship, don't support sending refugees to Rwanda instead of leaving marmite sandwiches outside the palace.
#compassion
The amazing
@nazirafzal
and I are doing our bit for humanity this morning on BBC Breakfast - Nazir Afzal talking about the horrific incidence in Plymouth and I was talking about the humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan.
Instead of mourning the loss of our fellow humans, many continue to politicise and scapegoat asylumseekers. We need to change this incompassionate narrative and hostile policies, such as the antirefugee Bill. Today should be a day of hope and change for many others left behind.
Speechless to receive 'world citizen of the year' recognition. It's for all those dodging bombs & sleeping hungry, and for refugees/migrants.
So happy that the 15 yr old me who came to UK with nothing but hopes & dreams never gave up on compassion. Others like me need it too.
Don't think I deserved to be on this special
@BBCRadio4
programme for legends & accomplished individuals.
But proud to have represented displaced & traumatised people.
@laurenlaverne
was unbelievably compassionate and amazing.
Hope you will listen.
Here we go again!
Mess up the economy, leave people hungry, and push healthcare to the brink. Then blame it all on migrants and refugees! Are you willing to fall for this?
My father in his 70s with multiple conditions, including lung, has no access to COVID vaccine in Afghanistan. And millions of people are lacking access to basic healthcare. It makes me furious when some are reluctant to take the vaccine offered or even take simple precautions.
Our ambulance and other frontline emergency services have been doing such an amazing job despite extreme challenges of the storm. Such an honour to work alongside. Plz help me in thanking them wherever they are.
"You can't help if too exhausted. Make sure you're eating, drinking & resting."
This self-care advice from my amazing NHS colleague, Katie
@NHSMillion
applies to all, especially those affected physically & mentally by recent Afg crisis.
I relaxed with family before ED shift.
Unbelievable experience meeting my displaced sister, nephews and nieces in Sweden.
They were sad to leave everything behind in Afghanistan but are grateful to be able to smile, live and learn in safety-some reasons for fleeing.
Such a relief knowing they won't be sent to Rwanda.
Twitter promotes controversial & political topics more. But I'm grateful to everyone, especially those with an audience who supports the voice of humanity & vulnerable people.
In particular, legends
@GaryLineker
@mrjamesob
have always helped in spreading messages of compassion.
On World Refugee Day, I'm sharing my humble journey from seeking safety to becoming a doctor:
. 1999 - forced to leave family in Afghanistan to seek safety in UK aged 15 having lived childhood in war and camps
. 2001 - started college (A-levels) with not much formal education or
As A&E doc, been on frontline of pandemic from start.
I've experienced loss & extreme suffering of colleagues & public.
I'm wearing mask to protect myself, family & others from COVID.
Can you help us save lives by wearing mask too? RT to stop the antimaskers trending today.
Please watch/ share my newly released
@tedxlondon
talk telling my story and how we can heal ourselves and our society through compassion and hope, not through violence, hatred or division which is being widely spread by some -
As a teenager in UK, I asked people how to become a doctor, most said:
You are a refugee
You don't have much formal education
You are not born here
Now, I feel so honoured to be given a stand and speak to the NHS leadership about inclusive innovations at
@NHS_CEP
I was giving an interview outside, a couple overhears and they come closer to tell me how sorry they are for the people of Afghanistan with tears in their eyes. We all have humanity in us, let's abandon the ugly politics, not the people who are suffering.
1/ I remember years ago sitting on a bus when I was in distress with watery eyes, and a man next to me saw and mouthed “it’s gonna be ok”.
I still remember that to this day. Wow, I hope that kind man is doing well.
Imagine if we all paid a little more attention to each other.
Excited to be travelling to Sweden to visit my nephews and nieces!
It's been a year since I last saw them and nearly two years since they've left Afghanistan.
@Ryanair
is the airline taking us!
The Alevel college tutor who I asked for help with Cambridge Uni interview. Instead he demeaned me saying: "You're not white. You're a refugee from Afghanistan who doesn't even have a school record."
Here's me, graduating from Cambridge(with first for my research).
#NeverGiveUp
Spending childhood in war zone, sound of train in UK was enough to trigger my PTSD making me jump believing it was a rocket coming. Using sonic weapons against traumatised refugees is inhumane & emotionally disturbing for me/others. Can you imagine subjecting your child to this?
these 2 photos taken days apart, tell different stories.
In 2023, I launched a mental health initiative, spoke in front of heads of states at the UN, and featured in a Paramount Plus docuseries.
In the same year, I had episodes of self-doubt, anxiety and re-traumatisation
With my family disintegrated by war and scathered all over the world, like millions of others, it's a great feeling to be able to visit my recently displaced sibling in Sweden.
It is a blessing to see them safe and hopeful for their futures, a right many don't have access to.
So humbling to meet readers who find my memoir informative. Dr Kukoyi came all the way from Wolverhampton to meet before my A&E shift. And he's a heart specialist originally from Nigeria. Another immigrant who's come with a dream and is contributing immensely.
As an emergency doc with additional science degree from Cambridge, I still don't understand why UK is lifting restrictions.
Can someone please explain the rationale behind it?
I love my emergency department work to help people suffering. And every time I see a patient sadly passes away, I feel a deep personal feeling of sadness. Holding hands of their family members, and sometimes shedding tears with them, reminds me of my responsibility & privilege.
20 years ago, I couldn't stand in a classroom and speak because of my crippling trauma of displacement.
Now, I hosted the UN Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.
So proud to represent traumatised people & be a voice for compassion.
Also proud of the little waheed to come this far.
I'm an ED doctor. I had COVID infection a month ago. Today, I'm very happy to get vaccinated.
Even if you've tested positive, get your vaccine when it's offered to stay safe. Plz share.
We, doctors, are promoting mask wearing because it saves lives.
Do you know what it feels like wearing a mask for hours when treating patients? Worse, do you know what it feels like not being able to breathe because of COVID? It's scary, we've seen patients & loved ones suffer.
@GemmaLDillon
There are some doctors promoting mask wearing after 19th July because they are selling them from their own online shop. This list would seem far more sensible and effective however.
Parents are rightly concerned about children's health, uncertainty, care,.
But we shouldn't stress children for missing out on 'education'. Help them learn crucial lessons from pandemic.
I self educated during war but I also learned invaluable life lessons. Think I've done ok.
Did we forget how much sacrifice our nurses have given during pandemic?
I saw them shed tears with relatives, hold phones for patients to speak to loved ones and stand firmly when their lives were at risk. Honoured to have served alongside them.
They need your support now.
Switchboard: how can I help?
Me: good evening. My name is dr arian. Can you please connect me to..
Switchboard: certainly, please hold the line. By the way, I am enjoying yr book, currently on chapter 2.
Lovely way to end a depressing weekend for
#NHS
. We care for each other.
20 humans in search of safety have drowned today. They're
people with families, hopes and dreams, like me and many refugees who've come. Tragically, they're now vanished! Government's hostile policies and negative narrative are making it difficult for refugees to seek safety.
We need to acknowledge trauma.
Displaced people deserve compassion and support for their traumas just like anyone else.
Some may say that we shouldn't treat people seeking safety with love and acceptance, but this couldn't be further from the truth.
Displaced people fleeing
What I brought with me as a displaced person and what others do too:
. Loss of home & loved ones
. Loss of community/belonging
. Small bag carrying hopes & dreams
. Mental traumas and PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks) that haunt us for life
We don't bring criminality (or drugs)!
Tired of this nonsense narrative against refugees & immigrants: 'we gave you safety, home, jobs,..'
Thanks for the welcome & safety - a human right. But refugees/immigrants also built your economies, countries, filled job voids,..
Plz do some literature search on immigration