Statelessness and mental health experiences among Kuwaiti Bidoon people living in the UK: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Aims : 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). Method: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. Results: 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. Conclusions: This study raises awareness of the context for Bidoon people and how their experiences of statelessness may impact their mental health and engagement with available mental health services. Implications for healthcare and legal and governmental professionals working with Bidoon people and further research directions are discussed.