In 2018 Dua Fatima was just three when her parents moved to Sweden so that Sundus could study a master's degree in chemistry in environmental forensics at Örebro University. Sundus invested more than 200,000 kronor in her education here.
– Every day when I wake up I feel like I am in a dark tunnel and I cannot see ahead, to my future. I don't know what's going to happen, says Sundus Waqas.
Sundus, 32, her husband Waqas Saleem Malik, 34, daughter Dua Fatima, 10, and son Ibad Malik, 5, are another family affected by Northvolt's collapse. Sundus and Waqas are particularly worried about how their children will adapt if they are forced to return to Pakistan.
– Our children are very used to this environment and if we are forced to take them to Pakistan, they will have to learn to read and write in Urdu. I don't want them to suffer any kind of trauma when they grow up. If they are changing countries often, learning a new language and culture, it's very hard for them, says Sundus.
In 2018 Dua Fatima was just three when her parents moved to Sweden so that Sundus could study a master's degree in chemistry in environmental forensics at Örebro University. Sundus invested more than 200,000 kronor in her education here.
– I looked at universities in Pakistan, but they didn’t offer the same education that was available here, an analytical environmental forensics programme. I wanted to learn about toxins and micro molecules and how they affect the human body and our environment, says Sundus.
During this time, Waqas studied online for a master’s degree in operation and maintenance at Luleå University. In 2019 while living in Örebro, the family welcomed their son, Ibad Malik.
Fast-forward to May 2022, and Sundus was offered a job at Northvolt, so the family moved to Skellefteå. Just a few months later, Waqas also got a job there. They’ve settled in well and made lots of friends. Skellefteå soon felt like home. They've now lived in Sweden for seven years and could apply for permanent residency in one-and-a-half years.
And now, along with hundreds of others, both must find new jobs to continue their lives here.
Their situation is complicated. Sundus and Waqas have separate work visas, so if they cannot secure new jobs, the amount of time each of them can stay in Sweden is different. Waqas’s work visa is valid until May 24. Sundus, Dua Fatima and Ibad Malik can stay until August 30. The harsh reality is that they could be forced to live in different countries if Waqas cannot find work within six weeks.
Sundus, 32, her husband Waqas Saleem Malik, 34, daughter Dua Fatima, 10, and son Ibad Malik, 5, are another family affected by Northvolt's collapse. Sundus and Waqas are particularly worried about how their children will adapt if they are forced to return to Pakistan.
Both are actively looking for work, both in Skellefteå and throughout Sweden.
– I am applying for around 10 jobs daily, and the next day before I even have a chance to call the companies I get system-generated rejection emails. I’m studying Swedish, my CV is in Swedish, but still my CV is not getting seen by the right people, says Sundus.
On the subject of Northvolt, neither will speak negatively about their experiences.
– I said to my husband, I don't want to leave, Northvolt is very close to my heart. Even when I was returning my hardware, I was crying so much, says Sundus.
– Northvolt gave us opportunities beyond our imaginations. They put their trust in us. What we need now is more time. Time to find new jobs, so we can continue our life here, says Waqas.