“The end of 2025 also marked the end of my legal representation work, first as a legal representative of unaccompanied minors, then as a legal representative of applicants for international protection.
In more than 25 years of working with asylum seekers, I have represented more than 10,000 asylum seekers from more than 50 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chile, Chechnya, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Georgia, Croatia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Kosovo, Cuba, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Republic of Congo, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Somalia, Serbia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Great Britain, Venezuela and many more.
In all these years, I have met a lot of interesting people among asylum seekers, asylum home heads, and decision-makers. My work as a legal representative also included an active role in family reunification, and with my help, more than 300 people came to Slovenia and were reunited with their family members.
After informing asylum seekers, sponsors (people who are reuniting with family members), colleagues at the Legal Center for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment (PIC), decision-makers and operational workers that I would no longer be there, we cried, laughed and remembered our common struggles – not necessarily for the same goals.
What surprised me most was that decision-makers told me that they admired my professional work and my relentless fight for the rights of the people I represented. I was very touched by so many kind words from people working on the other side.
I already miss this interesting, tiring and humane work. Together we have gone through and processed a lot of life stories that sometimes kept me awake, sometimes made me laugh a lot, and of course left a big mark on my life.”
– Aida Hadžiahmetović, Associate in the field of Migration
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Response from a legal aid recipient
Good morning Aida,
I hope you have sent already my letter to the decision maker.
I would like to know when is your last day in this year 2025 as my representative.
Therefore As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many things I’m grateful for this year—and you are certainly at the top of that list.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedicated representation in my family unification case. Your expertise, compassion, and unwavering support have made an immeasurable difference in bringing my family together. You’ve guided us through challenging times with professionalism and care, and I am truly appreciative of everything you’ve done.
I’m also excited for you as you prepare to embark on your new career journey starting in 2026. While we’ll miss having you as our representative, I wish you tremendous success, fulfillment, and joy in this next chapter.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and well-deserved relaxation.
With sincere gratitude,
Best regards,
X
