Support Assan Sallah’s University Studies

My friend Assan Sallah is a Gambian asylum seeker in Hong Kong. I have set this page up on his behalf.

Assan has been going through the asylum process in Hong Kong for around 9 years after he fled Gambia in 2014 due to political persecution. Gambia is an authoritarian country. As a University student, he was involved in an advocacy group called “Future Diplomats of Gambia” that campaigned for political liberalisation and economic and social reforms. Given the group’s anti-government views, Assan was arrested and subject to torture. Upon his release on bail, he realised that he had no chance of winning his upcoming trial due to what would be the inevitable pro-government composition of the jury. Facing extended jail time for advocating greater democracy and human rights in his home country, Assan decided to flee to Hong Kong and attempt to claim asylum. Returning home would mean imprisonment and further persecution for Assan.

While waiting in Hong Kong for his asylum claim to be decided, through distance learning, Assan has earned an advanced diploma in international relations and politics from Stratford College of Management (Gambia) and a Bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Sunderland (UK).

The asylum seeking framework in Hong Kong is incredibly unfair to those subject to it. There is generally a wait of years (even periods extending a decade are not uncommon) during the screening process to determine if an applicant is eligible for full refugee status. During the process, asylum seekers are not permitted to take any paid work. Unable to earn an income independently, they are dependent on the meagre assistance the Hong Kong government gives them, whatever savings they have and charitable assistance. Consequently, Assan has been unable to independently support himself and has concluded that it would be best for his future to leave Hong Kong for a jurisdiction in which he has the chance of building a dignified future.

Assan has recently received an offer to study a Masters of Business Administration at Asia Pacific University in Malaysia. However, given his inability to work in Hong Kong, he lacks the financial resources to fund his studies. Completing the degree in Malaysia would mean Assan has a chance to obtain an work permit and stay in Malaysia after his studies to work. While Assan’s ultimate goal is to return to Gambia to continue to fight for political reforms, being able to work in Malaysia would allow him to support himself and live a more dignified life.

Assan is one of the most genuine people I know. Any support you could give would be greatly appreciated. All funds raised go directly to Assan.

Please help Assan seize this chance!