Hundreds of Afghan interpreters earned UK visas after risking their lives alongside British troops on the front lines in Helmand, but now face a struggle to live normal lives in the UK.
In a three-part series the South Wales Argus reporter SAM FERGUSON spent time with three interpreters now living in Newport.
Their names have been changed to protect themselves and their families – who are still in Afghanistan. This is the last story of our series.
DAVDAR, not his real name, came to Newport from Afghanistan in July 2016 after serving on the front lines as an interpreter for British forces.
The 28-year-old, who comes from Kandahar, now works in a Tesco distribution centre.
He says he joined the collation forces after another interpreter friend told him of the good work they were doing.
“We were helping people in our country – the right way,” said Davdar.
Davdar started work with the Dutch forces before joining the French. His last assignment saw him work with frontline British troops for two years in Helmand province.
After earning his visa and coming to the UK, Davdar returned to Afghanistan for a few months to visit his family, and married the woman he loved.
He didn’t marry his wife before leaving Afghanistan because of the danger he was facing from a resurgent Taliban.
Getting a visa as a single person was quicker, he explained, and a price had been put on his head.
But now, he faces the same restrictions as other married interpreters who have settled in the UK.
“It’s very hard,” he said.
“But this is how it is for us. I’m very worried about her with the security situation at home.
“I could get my visa quicker as a single person, so I got out of the area when the situation was very bad in 2016.
“Then when I returned to visit I married my wife.
Getting a visa as a single person was quicker, he explained, and a price had been put on his head.
By Sam Ferguson
