As an immigrant I’m undervalued, and my wife has no sympathy | Ask Philippa

You’re in a difficult situation. I know it won’t be easy, but don’t be too proud to seek help

The question I am a recent immigrant from Iran and I am almost at the end of my tether. I was a professional in my country. I was educated, experienced and respected. But my qualifications are not recognised here. I am now working a menial, minimum-wage job.

It is essential work, but I am struggling with how it is perceived. I feel as if I’m viewed as 80% human. I spend two hours a day on public transport. People take one look at you and then sit anywhere else rather than beside you. The work I do is tiring. I am working extra hard as my income is all we have. My wife is doing a course, so she can’t work. The reason we moved here was so she could enjoy equal rights, which women didn’t have in our country.

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