Rebika Family — Photography by Robin Taudevin

The Rebika family fled terror in Algeria. They arrived in London in July 2001, and claimed asylum in the United Kingdom. While their claim was being processed by the Home Office they were moved to Glasgow, where they were housed in flats in Kingsway.

The Home Office rejected their asylum claim in August 2002. Through legal aid the family appealed the failed claim. This appeal was rejected, but the family sought a second appeal on grounds that their first legal advocate had not adequately represented them. This second appeal was heard in 2005, and was rejected in November.

These photographs were taken at the time of their second rejection.

Since then, the Rebika family has been granted refugee status, and may legally remain in Scotland.

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On 12 November the Rebika family received notice that their appeal had been rejected. This exhausted the family’s appeal rights, and leaves the family with the prospect of deportation.
Kingsway, Glasgow, 15 November 2005

Oussama, all dressed up to celebrate Eid at the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan. He was delighted with this picture. He just grinned hugely and said 'Matrix!'
Kingsway Court, Glasgow, November 2005

Shamsadine.
Kingsway, Glasgow, November 2005

Hocein at a demonstration protesting deportations outside the Home Office reporting centre.
Brand St., Glasgow, November 2005

Frustrated at his family’s vulnerability, Hocein speaks out at a public meeting of asylum seekers discussing the issue of deportation. Hocein is aware that his family’s appeal is likely to be rejected, and that they could face deportation from the United Kingdom.
Knightswood, Glasgow, November 2005

Khadidja, after watching a film showing her friend, Saida Vucaj, and her family after they had been deported.
Knightswood, Glasgow, November 2005

Khadidja and Shahine (centre) watch a film of their friend, Saida Vucaj, an asylum seeker who had been deported in September. In addition to missing her friend, Khadidja is aware that her family may also be deported.
Knightswood, Glasgow, November 2005

Oussama sits to pray, due to a knee injury. Behind him, Shahine mimics him.
Kingsway Court, Glasgow, October 2005

Hocein arrives in Edinburgh for the final hearing of his appeal against the rejection of the family’s asylum claim.
Edinburgh, October 2005

Oussama addresses a public meeting, explaining the uncertainty of asylum seeker’s lives, and asking if it is right that asylum seekers should face deportation after spending so many years establishing a life in Scotland.
Woodside Hall, Glasgow, October 2005