Welcome to New Citizens' Gateway
Supporting refugees and asylum seekers as an independent charity since 2005
New Citizens' Gateway CEO Awarded MBE
New Citizens’ Gateway is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nazee Akbari, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours list, announced on 31 December 2025.
Nazee was nominated for this award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and her long-standing commitment to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. Under her guidance, New Citizens’ Gateway has grown in impact, reach, and influence, providing vital services and advocacy for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
This honour recognises not only Nazee’s dedication and tireless work, but also the values and mission of New Citizens’ Gateway, promoting dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
Speaking about the award, Nazee said: “While I am deeply honoured to receive this award, I see it very much as a collective recognition of the dedication, compassion, and tireless work of our staff, volunteers, trustees and partners over many years.”
This honour is a powerful recognition of the vital work carried out by NCG, and the dedication, professionalism, and compassion shown every day by our staff and volunteers in supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Impact Stories
Helal Attayee's Journey
I am Helal Attayee, I a refugee from Afghanistan. After graduating from High School in Afghanistan I worked as a project manager in Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (NGO) for 18 months. My passion for helping others led me to go to Turkey to study medicine in 2004.
A Young Client's Story
New Citizens’ Gateway’s youth department asked one of our young people to share his story and experiences of living in the UK. We’re proud to share it with you here:
Hi, my name is Ali*, and I am 17 years old. Last year, I moved to the UK from the Middle East.
Bridging Communities
We provide support for refugees and asylum seekers across London & beyond. Our name reflects our core vision – to empower refugees to integrate into British life and culture as valued members of society. We envision a compassionate asylum process that treats individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve.
New Citizens’ Gateway aims to accomplish using our holistic model to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into a new society. We use a multifaceted approach, including: advice & information, wellbeing services, and so much more to some of those most vulnerable.
What We Do
We offer free advice on housing, education, welfare benefits and more.
We provide English courses, both face to face and online, at a variety of beginner levels.
Our one-to-one talking therapy services is designed to meet the unique needs of and provide support for refugees and asylum seekers.
New Citizens’ Gateway believes that integration into a new country begins with connecting with the local community.
New Citizens Gateway’s volunteer projects aim to create opportunities for refugees and British volunteers to work together. This collaboration offers practical benefits for both communities.
Young people matter today and are our future, so our youth work activities are a vital and very successful part of our organisation. We provide a variety of activities for refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-21.