A new report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) highlights how the UK government has the opportunity to reform the immigration system for “sanctuary seekers”.

Protecting the Mental Health of People Seeking Sanctuary in the UK’s Evolving Legislative Landscape recognises the government’s early commitments to repealing legislation, such as the Rwanda policy – but also cautions that substantial change is needed to protect sanctuary seekers from mental health harms.

It finds that sanctuary seekers experience new, or worsening mental illness, caused by prolonged immigration limbo, financial hardship and the threat of detention. This is felt particularly acutely by the large number of individuals experiencing mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

RCPsych is urging the new government to “seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to ensure all immigration legislation and policy explicitly protects those with mental illness. It wants the government to review the mental health impacts of upcoming legislation, building in a requirement for appropriate mental health screening on arrival and regular monitoring, so that mental health needs are met at the earliest opportunity.

Dr Lade Smith CBE, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “It is often said that how a society treats its most vulnerable members is the true measure of its humanity. We cannot, therefore, allow people seeking sanctuary in the UK to be caused further harm by the asylum process.

“As is clear from our report, we particularly welcome the government’s commitment to repeal the Rwanda legislation, as it did not allow those seeking sanctuary to be appropriately assessed and treated for any existing mental illness.

“Many sanctuary seekers leave their countries after witnessing, or being subjected to, some of the most devastating traumas that can be visited on a person, such as rape, imprisonment and torture. Hazardous journeys to the UK, and rejection by local populations, then cause further risk of mental illnesses developing, or the deterioration of current conditions.

“As psychiatrists, we have a duty to champion the provision of equitable needs-based care for all in society and, as this report highlights, people seeking sanctuary require specific focus. NHS mental health services must build their capacity in trauma-informed care. It must also ensure that this vulnerable group of people can access treatment.

She added: “A robust immigration policy can still be guided by human kindness, that is fair and compassionate. The Labour government has an opportunity to ensure its new immigration legislation and policies explicitly protect people seeking sanctuary who have mental illness while maintaining the public’s confidence in border control.”