Matin’s Journey: From fear to belonging in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Matin’s Journey: From fear to belonging in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Matin, a refugee from Afghanistan, on his way to work in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Matin was just 15 when he fled Afghanistan in 2020. He could no longer endure the relentless Taliban attacks, not being able to go to school, constantly plagued by the insecurity about his life, and uncertainty about the future.
Whilst other 15 year-olds around the world may have been picking outfits for a graduation party or deciding what college they would attend, Matin embarked on a perilous journey, one that would eventually save his life.
“I came with smugglers to Iran together with my friend. After that, I was alone”, he recalls.
Iran was just the first stop. From there, Matin went to Türkiye, where he spent three years. Without identification documents and no clear path forward, he had to leave again. His journey continued through refugee camps in Greece, Albania and Montenegro, until he finally arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina in January 2023.
“My life was constantly in danger”, he says, remembering the nights filled with fear.
In 2023, a glimmer of hope appeared. Nine months after arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Matin was granted subsidiary protection status. This secured him the right to legally stay and access basic services, including healthcare, education and the right to work.
The stability of Matin’s future was confirmed through a project funded by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the international aid organization Catholic Relief Services (CRS), aimed to foster socio-economic inclusion of refugees and people in need of international protection through work.
As part of this project, UNHCR and CRS worked successfully with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, local institutions, and civil society organizations, to ensure that refugees like Matin have the same opportunities as local population to find a job through public employment schemes.
As a result, he found a job in the warehouse of a Sarajevo textile company.
Matin sorts through textiles and clothing at a local factory in Sarajevo. With support from UNHCR, Catholic Relief Services and the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, refugees like Matin have the same rights to employment as local citizens.
Having a regular job means Matin finally has stability in his life. He rents an apartment close to his work and has decorated it to reflect his Afghan roots, and his new Bosnian homeland. His parents and three younger siblings remained in Afghanistan and Matin misses them a lot.
“Life for them is hard there”, he says and adds that having a job is very important to him so he can send money to support his family.
Matin’s determination to improve his life never wanes. With support from UNHCR and CRS, he attended driving school and recently passed his test. He proudly shows off his license with a wide smile – it has given him more freedom and independence to explore the country.
Matin holds his drivers licence proudly in his home in Sarajevo.
At the textile factory, Matin soon earned the admiration of his colleagues and supervisors. He’s proud of his progress and grateful for the kindness he’s found among his team.
“I like it here, people around me are very kind”.
When he's not working, Matin enjoys spending time walking or riding his scooter, having coffee with friends, or playing video games. He also loves to travel and discover the beauties of his new home, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I’ve been to Mostar, and it is very beautiful there”, he says.
Matin’s determination and perseverance are an inspiration for all those who had to leave their homes and start their lives from scratch. Despite the uncertainty of what the future brings, Matin says he has found peace: “I feel safe, I have friends. I am happy here.” He is grateful for the opportunity to contribute with his skills and work to the community that accepted him.
WATCH THE VIDEO: Matin, a 20-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, came to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022. Upon receiving international protection status, he can now stay legally in the country. For more than a year, Matin has been working with a local clothing company. He is finally able to support himself and plan for his future.
