Refugee thanks UK for giving family sanctuary

Nahid Hamidi serves up authentic Afghan cuisine at her pop-up restaurants

An Afghan refugee who is rebuilding her life after fleeing the Taliban has thanked the UK for giving her family sanctuary.

Nahid Hamidi and her husband Ahmad were being targeted by the Taliban over Ahmad's work as a British Army interpreter and fled the country in 2021.

Since settling in Harrogate, Nahid has set up The Afghan kitchen, which has fed thousands of people and offers other refugees help with their English - and a route into work.

She said: "I am really happy. We want to say thank you so much to the government for this opportunity to come to the UK. I can work, my children can go to school.

Nahid Hamidi employs women refugees to work with her

"We feel safe here. But in Afghanistan, people are in a really bad situation."

The first Afghan kitchen pop-up restaurant was held in 2023.

Since then, there have been another 24, including a spot at this year's FEVA festival, in Knaresborough.

Nahid, who has helped other Afghan women in Northallerton and Ripon to set up their own businesses, employs women refugees directly to work with her.

She said a big part of the idea behind the kitchen was helping them make their own money so they can feel more independent.

She explained: "When you have a salary you feel independent. You are free, you don't need all the time to ask 'can I do this? 'can I buy this?'

"In Afghanistan, the woman is not allowed to go out, to work, to educate - they can't even go to the park.

"I really feel for them. Most of the ladies in Afghanistan are highly educated but now they are always inside their houses."

Former beautician Marwar Faqiri had her business shut down by the Taliban

Marwar Faqiri, who ran her own business as a beautician until she was shut down by the Taliban, now works for The Afghan Kitchen.

She said working with Nahid had helped her meet new people, build her confidence and improve her English.

She said: "It is really helpful for me to work with Nahid. In the future I would like to open a small restaurant of my own."

For Ahmad, The Afghan Kitchen is about sending a message to the wider community.

He said: "We want to share our culture with people, say thank you for the support and show people refugees aren't waiting for benefits from the government.

"We try to work and contribute. The country and the government are helping us and now we have to pay back.

"We are starting our new lives with the support of the British community - and British friends - where we live."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.