By Vilhelm Stokstad – Dawa Tsering came to Sweden in 2005 to seek political asylum. In 2008 his application was rejected and he was to be sent back to Tibet. He was involved in some anti-regime activities in his hometown of Shegatse, when he found out that the Chinese government might have identified him he had to leave. After seven days of walking through the barren wasteland, he reached a town bordering to Nepal. There he could get help by some friends and cross the border hidden in the backseat of a taxi. Six months later, still in Nepal, he managed to save enough money to get some false papers and a plane ticket to Europe and finally Sweden. But in Sweden, no embassy will recognise that he is from Tibet, China refuses him, as they don’t acknowledge Tibet. Nepal refuses him for the obvious reason that he is not Nepalese. And he has no place in India. Because his application for asylum was denied, he is not allowed to work in Sweden anymore, and not allowed any kind of education, not even SFI, Swedish for Immigrants. He has to survive on 61 SEK a day, provided by Swedish immigration. This has been the case for almost five years now. Epilogue: Dawa got to apply for asylum a second time, because his deportation has not yet been executed. This time he gets to stay. The last images are from his visit to the SFI-school, Swedish for immigrants. Now he can finally start his life here.
Demonstration for a free Tibet on March 10, the anniversary of the tibetan resistance in 1959.Dawa Tsering has been denied political asylum in Sweden. Four years later he still hasn't been deported. Because of his status he is not allowed to work or study in Sweden.Short moments of distraction and letting out frustration is offered at low rates at the local gym. Before reality strikes back.Dawa Tsering having a moment of peace on a friends balcony surrounded by tibetan prayerflags.Tibetan and Swedish flag shares a pot with a small tree in.Self inflicted cigarett burns from a couple of years ago under a passing depression. Some times he has been thinking about suicide by self immolation.Dawa Tsering has been denied political asylum in Sweden. Four years later he still hasn't been deported. Because of his status he is not allowed to work or study in Sweden. His days pass slowly either in front of the TV or at the local gym.Once or twice a year the small Swedish Tibean Community with about 50 members have a meeting, and afterwards a party.Dawa Tsering has been denied political asylum in Sweden. Four years later he still hasn't been deported. Because of his status he is not allowed to work or study in Sweden. His days pass slowly either in front of the TV or at the local gym.Dawa Tsering has been denied political asylum in Sweden. Four years later he still hasn't been deported. Because of his status he is not allowed to work or study in Sweden. His days pass slowly either in front of the TV or at the local gym.A meeting with the lawyer to help renew Dawas asylum case.Tibetan community Sweden celebrates HH Dalai Lamas birthday.Dawa on his way to his first Swedish lesson.Back in school learning swedish.
