Grant GB Boxing Champion, Bilal Fawaz, a British passport now!
The Issue
Bilal Fawaz's story strikes a deep chord, way beyond the boxing community. His is an epic story of resilience and success against all odds. Denied a loving family, and trafficked to the United Kingdom 24 years ago, at the age of just 14, Bilal has been stateless ever since. He found not only a refuge but a calling in the boxing ring. Today, he stands as the British and European Welterweight champion, a title that symbolises triumph over adversity.
Yet, despite his achievements, Bilal remains without a British passport—an obstacle that severely limits his potential. He is represented by premier boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, but he cannot travel to international matches and training camps—opportunities vital for anyone aiming for a world championship. He has not left the UK since his arrival in 2002.
Bilal's situation is not just about a matter of statute but one of justice.
His story has been highlighted in reputable sources, including the BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/c15xv4972v4o
and FILM "Fighting for Freedom: Bilal Fawaz" https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002zv7x/fighting-for-freedom-bilal-fawaz where you can hear him and Eddie speak about his plight.
Article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/c75gwq7l0rno to read his story.
He is an Inspirational person - and shares his victories, stories and learnings thru hardship here: https://www.instagram.com/officialbilalfawaz/
The constraints of statelessness have deprived him of basic rights that many of us take for granted, such as the ability to work freely and pursue global opportunities. By denying Bilal a British passport, we are not just limiting his career; we are wasting a brilliant talent that could represent and bring honour to the UK on the world stage. He represented England in 2012, and yet was unable to join the British Olympic team then or subsequently.
Our petition calls upon Prime Minister Andy Burnham to work with the UK Home Office and relevant authorities to urgently grant Bilal Fawaz a British passport. This would not only recognise his contribution to British sports but also rectify a gross injustice. As members of a society that takes pride in inclusion and equality, granting Bilal Fawaz citizenship is overdue.
There is no more time to waste. Each day that passes further darkens the promise of a career that could consolidate him at the top of his field, and inspire countless young athletes, especially those who have faced adversity. Yet time and age are against him. He cannot wait another ten years to be granted a British passport. Time is of the essence. The time is NOW. Let us come together to make a change and ensure that Bilal gets the recognition and legal status he deserves.
Please, join us in this fight. Sign this petition today to help Bilal Fawaz receive his British passport. Together, we can lift barriers and empower a champion to reach the pinnacle of boxing glory, and feel finally settled in his rightful home.
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The Issue
Bilal Fawaz's story strikes a deep chord, way beyond the boxing community. His is an epic story of resilience and success against all odds. Denied a loving family, and trafficked to the United Kingdom 24 years ago, at the age of just 14, Bilal has been stateless ever since. He found not only a refuge but a calling in the boxing ring. Today, he stands as the British and European Welterweight champion, a title that symbolises triumph over adversity.
Yet, despite his achievements, Bilal remains without a British passport—an obstacle that severely limits his potential. He is represented by premier boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, but he cannot travel to international matches and training camps—opportunities vital for anyone aiming for a world championship. He has not left the UK since his arrival in 2002.
Bilal's situation is not just about a matter of statute but one of justice.
His story has been highlighted in reputable sources, including the BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/c15xv4972v4o
and FILM "Fighting for Freedom: Bilal Fawaz" https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002zv7x/fighting-for-freedom-bilal-fawaz where you can hear him and Eddie speak about his plight.
Article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/c75gwq7l0rno to read his story.
He is an Inspirational person - and shares his victories, stories and learnings thru hardship here: https://www.instagram.com/officialbilalfawaz/
The constraints of statelessness have deprived him of basic rights that many of us take for granted, such as the ability to work freely and pursue global opportunities. By denying Bilal a British passport, we are not just limiting his career; we are wasting a brilliant talent that could represent and bring honour to the UK on the world stage. He represented England in 2012, and yet was unable to join the British Olympic team then or subsequently.
Our petition calls upon Prime Minister Andy Burnham to work with the UK Home Office and relevant authorities to urgently grant Bilal Fawaz a British passport. This would not only recognise his contribution to British sports but also rectify a gross injustice. As members of a society that takes pride in inclusion and equality, granting Bilal Fawaz citizenship is overdue.
There is no more time to waste. Each day that passes further darkens the promise of a career that could consolidate him at the top of his field, and inspire countless young athletes, especially those who have faced adversity. Yet time and age are against him. He cannot wait another ten years to be granted a British passport. Time is of the essence. The time is NOW. Let us come together to make a change and ensure that Bilal gets the recognition and legal status he deserves.
Please, join us in this fight. Sign this petition today to help Bilal Fawaz receive his British passport. Together, we can lift barriers and empower a champion to reach the pinnacle of boxing glory, and feel finally settled in his rightful home.
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Petition created on 2 September 2026