“I was a civil engineer back home doing very well, but after voting against one of the political parties funding our work projects, I was laid off from my job.

I started to receive threats due to my political opinion, and my wife became very scared. I moved to Canada in 2018 for the safety of my family and left the home and life I had built with my own hands behind.

I was lucky to get help from the COMPASS team with my claim, but it was still challenging in the beginning to find a job and place to live without any documents. I didn’t know if I could stay and this was something I thought about every single night.

Now, I am working in a manufacturing company and studying courses so I can work as an engineer in Canada. I can support my family and give them a safe future. This is what is important for me.

I hope my wife can come here soon and I can see all my family again one day. This is my wish.”

– Laso, Refugee Claimant

Laso received a positive decision in his refugee claim but he is still working with COMPASS to be reunited with his wife in Canada.