Report warns against ‘two-tier’ system for refugees

Refugees in the UK are at risk of homelessness and destitution because of a “two-tier” system, an all-party parliamentary group has warned.

People who come to the UK via resettlement schemes are given more support than those who are awarded refugee status after entering the UK as asylum seekers.

The group said the next government should establish a new post, minister for refugees, to help ensure parity between the two types of refugees.

Once an asylum claim is granted, individuals are supported for 28 days before the government withdraws help.

This is causing “stress and despair” among refugees, problems made worse by the level of their English as well as administratve delays and a lack of employability.

The report states: “Those refugees who have come through the asylum route will have faced the same persecution and violence as those who are resettled.

“That two refugees who could have fled from the same country, the same town, even the same neighbourhood could have such different experiences of what it means to be a refugee in the UK is unacceptable.”

However, those who arrive on a resettlement package are allowed to stay for five years and can apply to settle thereafter.

They are also given an extra 12 hours per week of English language teaching, for up to six months.

An integration scheme run by the Scottish government was, however, highlighted as an example of good practice.

Immigration expert and Thorntons partner, Jamie Kerr, told Scottish Legal News: “The report makes clear that the UK asylum system is broken. It’s devoid of compassion and humanity and leaves vulnerable asylum seekers without the vital support they need to settle and integrate into society.

“As the report says, we need to rethink our approach to asylum seekers and take a more progressive and proactive approach to addressing their needs and thereby reaping the benefits of their skills and talents.”

Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire, chairwoman of the all-party group, said: “Creating a two-tier system for refugees, loading the dice against people who come here to build a new life, is not just the wrong thing to do, but a costly missed opportunity for Britain.”

“These are often skilled professionals and, by definition, they all have strength and determination to offer,” she added.