Spain

In 2002, Spain introduced strict migration control measures and visa requirements for Cubans and Colombians and the number of asylum applications plummeted. Since then, the rate of applicants has been decreasing by approximately 6% every year. Most asylum seekers still come from Colombia, followed by applicants from the Russian Federation.

Fernando

Fernando, a Colombian writer came to Spain as part of a resettlement program run by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). He talks about trying to start his life again, and the isolation that he and many asylum seekers he met experienced.

Henri

After training for a career in law in his homeland, Henri found himself retraining for work as a welder when he fled to Spain as a refugee. Now Henri manages to make ends meet for his family with his welding work but regrets his inability to practise law.

Hedja

At 19, Hedja was the oldest of three children accompanying their father to visit relatives in Germany. While abroad the situation in Iran prevented their father’s return and the family were obliged to seek politcal asylum in Spain – the first EU country they had entered. Five years on, Hedja's father and youngest brother have been granted refugee status, but she and another brother have not.

Maia

Maia lives in Spain with her son and has begun to rebuild her life after the tragic death of her husband, following the family's transfer from the Netherlands under the Dublin Regulation.