Statelessness and mental health experiences of Kuwaiti Bidoon people living in the UK: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

The Kuwaiti Bidoon are a group of people affected by statelessness. Estimates suggest thousands of Kuwaiti Bidoon have forcibly migrated to the United Kingdom (UK); however, little is known about their experiences of mental health. This study aimed to explore the mental health experiences of statelessness among Kuwaiti Bidoon people living in the UK, and their experiences of accessing mental health services (where indicated).Participants were five Kuwaiti Bidoon people currently living in the UK. All participants attended a semi-structured interview. Experiences relating to statelessness and mental health were investigated using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants shared the multifaceted impacts of statelessness on their lives, including mental health struggles stemming from their marginalisation and uncertain legal status. Three major themes were generated from the interview data: The Legacy of Statelessness; Hopes and Dreams of a Future; Victims of a System. Hope and optimism arise for some when migrating to the UK, while others reported challenges and distress associated with the state of 'limbo' arising from processes to regularise their legal status. Some participants reported barriers to accessing effective mental health support, which was sometimes connected to their legal status. This study raises awareness of the context for UK-based Bidoon people and furthers understanding of the long-term negative mental health consequences of statelessness. Further research directions, recommendations for improvements to healthcare and statutory service provision for stateless or displaced people (such as ensuring accessibility, acceptability and delivery of culturally sensitive care), and the need for broader policy change are discussed.