Edwin’s Journey: From Visa Refusals to a New Life in the UK
Edwin resides in Ostocontrech, a 45-minute commute from Manchester. His desire to travel abroad began after watching SVTV Africa’s interviews, but his journey was marred by multiple visa rejections.
Having lived in the UK for 11 months now, Edwin reflects on his challenging past.
Edwin in an interview with Dj Nyaami on Svtv Africa’s Dialy Hustle Worldwide show revealed that he never lived with his father, who was abroad in Libya, and instead stayed with other people, some of whom mistreated him.
These experiences hardened him, shaping his resolve to never leave his own children in someone else’s care.
Edwin graduated with a degree in Human Resources Management from Zenith University, affiliated with the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
He began his career at GCB Bank, where he got the chance to travel.
His wife, an Italian-Ghanaian whom he met on Snapchat, played a pivotal role in his relocation to Europe.
Despite the challenges, including being refused a visa three times, their love brought them together.
In 2018, after his father grew frustrated with Edwin’s living situation, he attempted to bring him to the UK.
However, the visa was denied, and despite attempts in 2019 and 2021, Edwin gave up.
That’s when he met his wife, who, coincidentally, lived in the same neighborhood as his parents.
She had never been to Ghana but visited for Edwin, and their love led to marriage. Afterward, she filed for his visa, overcoming the three previous refusals.
Before leaving Ghana, Edwin’s father warned him that life abroad wouldn’t be easy, and his expectations were high.
Upon arrival, Edwin found a job two weeks later, thanks to his wife’s connections.
Despite his efforts to help her with the bills, the work environment was challenging.
He was determined to start working as soon as possible but realized that many Ghanaians with degrees hesitate to seek better opportunities, settling for less.
Edwin regards his wife as his “God on Earth” and emphasizes the importance of not taking for granted those who help you migrate.
He shares how people endure hardships—sometimes risking their lives through Libya—just to reach Europe.
He also cautions that those seeking to migrate should ensure they have the right documents in place to avoid legal complications.
His first Christmas in the UK was disappointing, as it was a quiet, indoor affair, and Edwin told his wife that he would return to Ghana every Christmas.
Edwin’s story highlights the resilience needed to overcome setbacks, the importance of support from loved ones, and the significance of having the right documentation when migrating abroad.
It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who help others achieve their dreams of a better life.