Marius Ambala Kamuna said the free bus ticket scheme was helpful when he first arrived in Wales from Sierra Leone.
- author, Dafydd Morgan
- role, bbc news
Refugees will no longer have access to free public transport after the scheme is scrapped by the Welsh Government.
The Welcome Ticket will launch in March 2022 and is seen as a useful tool for people evacuating from countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
The scheme will end on March 31st and the Welsh Government has said it intends to introduce an alternative scheme in the future.
Marius Ambara Kamuna, 32, who fled Sierra Leone to Wales because of his sexuality, said: “It's a shame to cancel the plan. Many people can't afford a ticket to travel.”
Mr Kamna said he used the ticket when he arrived in Wales with almost nothing.
“This is very convenient for everyone, you can hop on the bus and it’s completely free.
“I use it to go to school, I use it to visit friends and sometimes I use it to visit people all over Wales.”
Now he is worried about what it means for the future after Sunday's final day of tickets, adding: “We absolutely need plans and tickets like that.”
Kiran Lochhead-Strang, who works at the Oasic Center in Cardiff, which supports refugees and asylum seekers, said the abolition of the scheme would hinder people trying to integrate into society.
“I think that's certainly unfortunate…People who have recently been resettled or who have just gained asylum are usually starting from nothing.
“This is a really good way to make it easier for them to access services, go look for work and have the normal daily life that they need.”
This system allowed refugees to travel by bus anywhere for free.
In the two years since the scheme was launched, the Welsh Government estimates that around one million journeys have been made using the Welcome Ticket.
The Welsh Government said it was looking at ways to introduce an improved system in the future.
Plaid Cymru social justice spokesperson Sioned Williams said removing the service, even for a short period of time, would have a negative impact.
“Actions speak louder than words. If we say we are going to be a nation of sanctuary, we have to use those tools and means and we have to be able to support that vision. It was an important part of the support,” she said.
“These are extremely vulnerable people fleeing hunger, persecution and war and trying to rebuild their lives.”
The Welsh Government said it intended to “establish a new phase that is sustainable and fit for purpose, ensuring we focus resources on those most in need”.
It added: “We will continue to work closely with travel companies, local authorities, the third sector and sanctuary seekers as we roll out this new phase of the plan.”
An update is planned for the summer.
