Trying to open a bank account for a Romanian citizen in the UK is like trying to land a man on Mars. You'd think that establishing identity and address would be straightforward enough. But bank staff are clearly trained to grab any possible reason for not accepting an A2 national. Once they discover your from Romania, the face glazes over and the phoned is reached for. "These are regulations we are subject to, I'm sorry. I am being told we do need further evidence from you..." Sometimes getting that further evidence is almost impossible.
We went along to my own bank too. "I've been banking with you for over 20 years and have had excellent service! My friend here would like to open an account with you too!" I got a nice smile. And effectively another shut door. Another bank said bluntly: "If he doesn't speak English we won't accept him." I asked: "What, even if a translator is present?" "No! We need proof he has understood!"
As a last ditch attempt we entered one the really big banks. Almost just to see what excuse they would come up with to bar my friend. We were warmly welcomed. All the papers were shown. "That's all just fine! What kind of account would you like." Speechless, jaws on the floor, we muttered "Oh. Just a normal account will do fine, thanks." As the interview progressed it became clear that the young bank lady had warmed to us for some reason. She asked a few personal questions and soon we were showing each other photos of babies and wives. She said she'd just come home from her honeymoon with her handsome partner from overseas. That was it! She'd understood at a heart level what it means to try to settle in a strange land. The Roma sense instantly if a person is on their side.
Early the same day I had a big God moment. The word "JUSTICE" came up on the screen as I was singing hymns in my gadjo church. This is what the whole church thing is for: to fire us up to work for JUSTICE in the world. It took me a few minutes to recover. I needed that moment to make sense of all the brick walls those of us face, who try to help the Roma find a life in the UK.
