The Mayali Family’s Journey to the UK - In Celebration of International Nurses Day & International Day of Families

Every year, International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on May 12, followed by International Day of Families on May 15. This year, we are celebrating both by recognizing the incredible contributions of a Palestinian family who made the journey from Lebanon to the UK to serve on the frontlines of the NHS. This is their story. 

Bilal and his family in their NHS uniforms

Life in Lebanon 

Growing up as Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Bilal and his wife Racha were limited in terms of what professions they could pursue due to government restrictions. Their passion for caring for others and persistent nurse staffing shortages in Lebanon led them to study nursing at Makassed University in Beirut, where they met for the first time. After graduating, Bilal and Racha began their first roles as qualified nurses, gaining experience across various specialties, including surgical wards and mental health. After getting married a few years later, they welcomed their first child, Hamza, followed by the birth of their daughter, Roaa, in 2007. 

Taking the Plunge 

Bilal and Racha continued to work as nurses for the next twenty years. During this time, life in Lebanon became increasingly difficult as the country grappled with a severe financial crisis and the pandemic, further weakening its already fragile healthcare system. After learning about TBB’s Displaced Talent Healthcare Scheme from a colleague who encouraged him to apply, Bilal made the decision to take a chance and register on TBB’s Talent Catalog. Although he hesitated to uproot his family, he knew his children would have access to better educational and professional opportunities. “I did it for the future of my children.”

Shortly after registering, Bilal was contacted by TBB about an opportunity to relocate to the UK to work as a registered nurse for the NHS. After going through the recruitment process with NHS Professionals, he was successfully offered a role at the University of Leicester Hospital. Although he still had hesitations and Racha was worried about the transition they would have to make, Hamza and Roaa were delighted. With their encouragement, Bilal took the plunge and officially accepted the role. “I remember that moment. I felt truly happy.”

Nevertheless, Bilal faced new challenges once he learned that his son Hamza would be unable to relocate to the UK if his visa application was not submitted by his 18th birthday, which was rapidly approaching. Under UK immigration rules, Skilled Workers are permitted to sponsor their spouse and children as their dependents, but only if the children are below the age of eighteen. Fortunately, with the support of TBB’s formidable partners at Fragomen and Pathway Club, Hamza’s visa application was submitted on time and approved shortly thereafter. Despite the stress surrounding the situation, the successful issuance of Hamza’s visa illustrates the vital role that partnerships play every day in making displaced talent mobility possible. 

Life in the UK 

In July 2023, Bilal arrived in the UK with his fellow cohort members to begin his new role. His family, who were finalizing their preparations to leave Lebanon, relocated a few months later. Shortly after arriving, Racha managed to get a job with the same NHS Trust as Bilal.  Incredibly, Hamza, who aspires to become a nurse like his parents, was also offered a role as a Healthcare Assistant. Although they may not get to see each other much during the busyness of their shifts, they agreed that the kindness and support of their colleagues have made all the difference. Their daughter Roaa is happily completing her GCSEs and hopes to attend university to study nutrition in the near future. Having experienced the multi-generational impacts of the program firsthand, Bilal strongly encourages other displaced individuals to apply. “You have given us a future and a chance to advance in our careers, you have given us security and safety...These are opportunities we did not have in Lebanon.”

Looking Forward

Although the transition from Lebanon to the UK has not been without its challenges, the family is settling in and enjoying their new lives in Leicester, a city they’ve grown to love for its multiculturalism and welcoming community. As Bilal and his family continue to provide critical care to patients, their story reminds us of the immense contributions international nurses make daily to the NHS and the well-being of communities across the UK. Their dedication to caring for others and each other is a testament to the importance of family, whatever its shape or form. 

This month, please join us in celebrating the contributions of the many nurses and families who’ve arrived through TBB’s Displaced Talent Mobility schemes. 

To register in our Talent Catalog and increase your chances of international job opportunities, go to: tctalent.org