Six months after violent riots shook Hull, asylum seekers in the city are still grappling with the emotional aftermath. The riots, which followed a tragic event in Southport, left many feeling fearful and unsettled. But despite the turmoil, local charity workers and refugees alike say Hull remains a city of hope and refuge for those fleeing war and persecution.
The violence that erupted in August 2024 affected many asylum seekers who rely on charities like Open Doors for support. Cecil Jones, the project coordinator for Open Doors, explained that the riots made many refugees and asylum seekers afraid to leave their homes. “It took a long time for some to feel like they were recovering,” he said. The fear and uncertainty left people feeling unsafe, leading to a significant drop in the number of people seeking help from the charity.
Yet, even in the wake of such violence, Hull’s reputation as a welcoming city endures. Mark Hulme, a volunteer for Open Doors, reassures that Hull has always been a place of warmth and openness. “Hull has always been a welcoming city. This doesn’t undo the good work,” he said, reflecting the community’s desire to remain supportive.
One refugee who has experienced Hull’s hospitality firsthand is Gaida Dirar. A 35-year-old mother who fled Sudan’s war-torn violence and eventually found safety in Hull, Gaida believes more understanding about asylum seekers is needed. “Nobody wants to leave their home country,” she said, emphasizing that refugees are not “illegal immigrants” but victims of war. “We are not coming here for economic reasons. We are seeking safety.”
Asylum seekers like Gaida are not looking for handouts; they simply want to rebuild their lives. Jayne Mercer, an immigration advisor, said that many asylum seekers have been waiting for years for their claims to be processed. “They don’t want to be in a hotel,” she explained. “They want to work, pay taxes, and contribute to society.”
Hull’s local authorities and charity groups are working hard to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for those fleeing persecution. According to Migration Yorkshire, which supports asylum seekers in the area, Hull has helped nearly 1,000 refugees in recent months. While the city has faced challenges, the support is stronger than ever.
Looking ahead, many are hopeful that Hull will continue to be a city of safety and understanding. “What would help to reassure them is to see something like that [riot] never happens again and see people appreciating each other more in Hull,” said Cecil Jones. With ongoing support and efforts to rebuild trust, Hull’s asylum seekers are beginning to heal, knowing that they have a community that values them.
Hull’s welcoming spirit has not been lost, and as time passes, the scars of the riot may fade, but the city’s heart remains open to those seeking refuge.
