Strangers in a Strange Land uncovers the reality of life for immigrants who come to Wales to try and build new lives. They're much-talked about but rarely heard from. Aged just 21, Syrian refugee Bashar left his home, setting off on a perilous journey to come to Wales. In an attempt to escape the war in Syria, he took a desperate and dangerous journey across Europe to the UK, riding on the axle of a lorry. He's one of the lucky ones and has been given the right to stay for five years. But Bashar will need to find a way of making a living - speaking no English when he arrived, is he likely to succeed? In Merthyr, Carlos is a member of the town's Portuguese community. He left Portugal because of a downturn in the economy, but in Wales he now enjoys a better standard of living and is happy to do the jobs that he says others won't touch. With tougher border controls, some families face heartbreak - especially when children are separated from a parent. Newport-born Suhil fell in love with Risa on holiday in Pakistan. The couple married and within a year they had a baby called Umair and were hoping to settle in south Wales. However, for the moment they are separated because of immigration rules. Now a toddler, Umair is living with his dad in Newport while his mother is stuck in Pakistan. She's been refused a visa enter the UK twice. For three years, mother and child have been forced to live 4,000 miles apart. They are one of 15,000 so-called 'Skype families' whose only daily contact is via internet video calls.
Documentary series uncovering the reality of life for immigrants who come to Wales to try to build new lives. In this edition, award-winning Turkish chef Faruk awaits a decision from the Home Office over the renewal of his visa, but he cannot work at his restaurant whilst his case is pending for fear of facing a £20,000 penalty. Even if his visa is granted, the business will have to rebuilt from scratch. Syrian doctor Hussam fled the war after risking his life on the frontline of the conflict, settling into a new life in Wales. But while he can speak English, he has been unable to pass an English test that will allow him to work as a doctor, and he is considering a change of profession. Meanwhile, ordinary Welsh families and groups have come together to offer their homes and support to help vulnerable refugees.
This three-episode documentary series uncovering the reality of life for immigrants who come to Wales to try to build new lives. They're much talked about but rarely heard, yet they make up six per cent of the population of Wales. There are an estimated 70,000 EU nationals in Wales who have the right to work here. With Britain set to leave the EU, their future is in the balance.
