Iraqi refugee living in Swindon shares his extraordinary story

Nawar Alazzawi, 27, is originally from Baghdad in Iraq, but has lived in several countries before finding coming to the UK.

A petroleum engineer by trade, Nawar has led a busy career over the years, having also modelled and planned events, but his story is entangled with adversity.

“I left Iraq when I was 10 years old because of war and internal problems,” he said.

“I lived in Turkey, Ukraine, Russia for years before moving to Bahrain.”

It was in Bahrain where he and a friend started his company, designing lavish private events for high profile figures.

An example of Nawar's skill for bespoke event planning. (Image: Nawar Alazzawi)

He arrived in London in May 2022 initially on holiday, but things soon went array after Nawar received an upsetting message.

“My friend had put me under so much pressure by using the company card,” he said.

“I went to London on holiday and he cancelled my visa, blocking me from everywhere while I was there, confirming this by text.”

The news seriously affected Nawar, who was travelling by train from Liverpool to London at the time, resulting in further problems.

“Because I was thinking about the text, I left my bag on the train which had all of my money and my papers,” he said.

“That bag had around £2,600 and I called the train security about it but they could not find it.”

Nawar is also a trained petroleum engineer. (Image: Nawar Alazzawi)

This latest development meant that he was unable to stay in a hotel or access his money, resulting in him turning to the streets for refuge.

“I became homeless which I had never been before as I had lived a very good life in Bahrain,” he revealed.

“I came as a tourist and ended up on the street.”

His situation climaxed when he threatened to go to the police over the severe delays by the Home Office, resulting in things moving forward and Nawar arriving in Swindon.

“I warned them that I would go to the police because staying in a prison is better than sleeping in the street,” he said.

“They immediately sent me a car and I was taken to Swindon. I was happy to go anywhere, I just needed a place to stay.”

Another example of Nawar's event planning and designing. (Image: Nawar Alazzawi)

Arriving last summer, Nawar had no idea what to do and visited the town’s refugee centre, The Harbour Project.

“I came in for a phone charger and I still come as the I was helped so much,” he said.

“The Harbour Project has given me everything.”

Nawar now helps at the centre, acting as a translator for other refugees as he speaks five languages including Russian and Ukrainian.

“I feel part of the community now; people hug me and welcome me as they have never met anyone from Iraq,” he said.

Returning to Iraq is not an option as Nawar fears for his life after being told that his mother was killed.

“Our house was taken by the militia and I knew Iraq was not for us anymore,” he said.

“The government will kill anyone who they do not like; they support militias and guns.

“My dad is missing; my mum has been killed and I feared I would be next.”

The Harbour Project's new home at Broadgreen Community Centre in Swindon. (Image: Newsquest)

Swindon is now home for Nawar and he is enjoying his time in the town so far.

“I love Swindon so much and have lots of friends here now; it’s a lovely and peaceful place,” he said.

“I’m not here to take anyone’s money and I even did an educational certificate equivalent of a degree that The Harbour Project helped me with.”

Nawar is one of over 1,500 refugees that The Harbour Project helps in Swindon, who arrive with hopes of finding a better life.