You know that my blog now carries a certain topic – it is about the process of obtaining refugee status in the UK and all the emotional difficulties on the way to this. Yes, I write not only about this, but in general this is the main line of my articles.
It’s both a big plus of my profile (that there is a certain topic and people understand what I will talk about here), and a big minus. Let’s talk more about the minus..
The biggest and probably the only disadvantage in my writing I see in the fact that I do not understand what I’m allowed to write about. I mean, this is a pretty serious topic and it involves discussing not only my thoughts, but also the specific actions of official government agencies such as Home Office. I receive officiall letters from the Home Office, undergo interviews, use public services, live on benefits. Can I talk more about this or not?
On the one hand:
-It’s a free country with freedom of speech.
-I didn’t sign any non-disclosure documents.
-I write about my experiences.
On the other hand:
-My articles can help someone prepare for an interview or somehow influence on smb’s decision to apply for asylum (if I start writing more about it)
-Maybe I signed a non-disclosure document and just don’t remember it because I was stressed 🙈
-Home Office may decide that by starting to write I pursue some other goals and benefits.
The last point was suggested to me by a friend, because I have no idea what benefits I can get from my articles. So far, they only help me to structure my thoughts and get rid of anxiety. Yes, if in the future I manage to somehow develop a blog and write articles in magazines, I’ll be glad, but I also don’t rule out the idea that I’ll quit writing after a while. My paralegal said I was the first person to ask about it and she needed to clarify, so I still haven’t gotten a legal answer to that question.
Thus, I decided as follows: I will write as much as possible in as much detail as possible, but I will minimally touch upon official moments ( such as what questions were asked during the interview, what documents were requested, what documents were sent). What do you think I’m not allowed to write about?
refugeenotes 
I think your entire post, in this case, undermines “It’s a free country with freedom of speech.”
There’s lip service to that idea, sure; but the UK is especially anti-free speech in practice. Ask anyone who got a visit from the constabulary over things they’ve posted on social media (if you can find the articles on the internet — big tech does a damn good job of covering that up). It’s not much better here in the US.
I don’t have answers for you; I’m not in your situation gambling for it all. But I am sympathetic to your situation.
Maybe this will put a smile on your face:
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F736x%2Fd9%2Faa%2Fa3%2Fd9aaa3e699cccabb859314dc8e8bc769–calvin-and-hobbes-comics-online-comics.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
You share that’s need the document 📄
LikeLiked by 3 people
You mean the document for what?) ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mean what documents need the office, live in free county.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They asked me to prove my identity, so they needed some of my documents ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, well, I can understand all the angle’s. It will be a pity if you can’t write about your experiences and emotions. I can’t give advise. My world is millions of moons away from yours. But that’s the thing. For my as outsider, I would love to know what you are/were going through. I hope you still have the freedom to share – without getting into trouble.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I’ll just try to avoid all the questionable moments ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would be amazed and truly shocked if the Home Office had the slightest care about what you write in your blog. Or how they’d even know what you wrote. Both the beauty and the tragedy of the internet is the anonymity.
If you signed an NDA, you’d know. It is a big deal.
They’d be likely to look favorably about an information source to ease the process of applying. It is also a chance to show off writing skills if that’s something you might pursue. As long as you’re not making terroristic threats or porn or violating the Official Secrets Act, you should write about anything you feel like.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I plan to tell about my blog at the last interview because it’s the platform where I express my opinions (and Instagram). But in general, my lawyer’s assistant said the same thing as you did. I can write everything I want as long as it doesn’t touch on taboo topics.
LikeLiked by 2 people
everyone has some level of perceived freedom, but like privacy, it’s more just a concept than a reality. i don’t believe there is such a thing as a free country. i’ don’t think honesty is much protection either, sadly … one does have to stick to ones beliefs though, and the thought that ones experiences might benefit others is something worthy to hope for …
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh your views are very valid most times as an immigrant you feel not secure commenting about current affairs either because you might offend someone or be seen as ungrateful. It’s something we have to approach with wisdom
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, exactly!
LikeLike
I personally, don’t see an issue. You are not denigrating the UK and are merely writing about your experiences thus far, and will do so in order to help others who may go through some pit falls. If there are any legal ramifications that these ‘others’ might come across, they will have no recourse but to speak to an immigration broker or a refugee adviser to deal with it.
I would just go ahead and write your blog until such time as you’re officially told not to do so, and I very much doubt that that would happen. The best of British luck to you!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course, as you said, “Freedom of Speech”.
No need of any government headache as long as you are free to speak.
But as you speak or write, the law should not be altered.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are bunch of people who do not let us use our freedom of speech just because they have a tag of government. You have to work patiently dear I hope you will get out of this problem as soon as possible dear. ✌🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure dear be strong
LikeLiked by 1 person
The general view seems to be that your blog shouldn’t be the object of negative official scrutiny. I agree! Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rather interesting as we are opening our home to a young lady under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and seeing all the challenges she faces and trying our best to support her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! You’re doing amazing job helping those in need. Thank you ☺️🤗
LikeLike