A REFUGEE who came to Bromsgrove from war-torn Syria for his own personal safety and settled said he was honoured to have been awarded British Citizenship.
Mazen Salmou was presented with his new-found status by Worcestershire Deputy Lieutenant Nicholas Wentworth-Stanley during a special ceremony.
Maz’s journey to citizenship started more than seven years ago when he was forced to flee Syria for his own safety. He had been a well-known TV presenter living in Damascus but had to use a United Nations resettlement programme to escape the regime.
From the moment he arrived in the UK, Maz completely immersed himself in the Bromsgrove community, getting involved in local projects, buying into the British way of life.
During the Covid pandemic, he would help the older and vulnerable members of the community who were forced to isolate by collecting and delivering shopping and medication.
He said being awarded citizenship wasn’t just an administrative process.
“It felt like an affirmation of my belonging to a system of values I have come to know closely throughout the years I have spent in this country, values present in daily interactions, in respect for individuals, and in the high level of professionalism that characterises public institutions.”
“Citizenship here is not a fleeting emotional moment, but a mutual recognition – the state recognises you as a citizen and you recognise it as a framework that upholds justice, rights and responsibilities.
“It is an experience that confirms that a nation’s true strength is measured not only by its power or resources, but by the values it commits to and by its ability to turn those values into a tangible reality in people’s lives.
“And so, I say this calmly and with confidence: I am truly proud to be a British citizen.”
Maz arrived in Bromsgrove speaking no English and with no money. During that time he was supported by Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcomes Refugees (BRWR) and throughout the years, he has maintained a strong friendship with the charity.
He is currently studying a PhD in media and journalism at the film and TV department at Reading University.
BRWR said it was delighted to celebrate the awarding of British citizenship to a longtime refugee friend of the charity.
“He has made astonishing progress, fulfilling his triple ambition to improve his English, advance his education and give back to the country that gave him sanctuary.
“He’s now studying for a PhD and his remarkable volunteering during the Covid pandemic earned him recognition when a Great Western Railway train was named after him.
BRWR chair Yvonne Rendell said the achievement showed how refugees can make a valuable contribution to British life.
“Maz is a lovely man whose determination to make a really positive contribution to the UK and to integrate into our culture and communities, makes him a marvellous example of how those seeking sanctuary can be a huge asset to our country.”
