Refugees and asylum seekers
Refugees in the UK
A refugee is someone who has had to flee their home in order to seek safety. They are an 'involuntary immigrant'. The reasons for leaving their country may be the threat of war, hunger or political persecution. (An immigrant leaves their country by choice). Government's in other countries offer these people a safe place to live on the grounds of compassion acknowledging the danger they may be in should they stay in their home country. According to the refugee Council there is approximately one refugee in every five hundred people in the UK.
Refugees have often left well paid jobs in their home countries. Many restrictions apply once they arrive in the UK. For example, they are not entitled to employment as soon as they arrive here and their academic qualifications may not apply so it is likely that they will struggle financially.
There are benefit procedures in place for refugees but the money is limited. Asylum seekers will receive a series of vouchers which can be redeemed for food and accommodation. Visit your local Benefits office for more up to date information.
Some useful facts and figures from the UNHCR and Refugee Council
The following listing was compiled by the STAR Network. More information about refugees and asylum seekers can be found on STAR's website.
- There are 19,783,100 people of concern to UNHCR worldwide. (2001 figures, UNHCR) This figure includes refugees, some refugees returning home, asylum seekers and some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- At the end of 2001, Asia hosted the largest refugee population 44.6%, Africa 21.1%, Europe 24.6%, North America 5.5%, Latin America and the Caribbean 3.8% and Oceania 0.4%. (UNHCR)
- Compared to the size of the national population, the main refugee hosting countries during 2001 were Armenia, with 70 refugees per 1,000 inhabitants, followed by Congo (40 per 1,000), Yugoslavia (38 per 1,000), Djibouti (37 per 1,000) and Zambia (27 per 1,000). (UNHCR)
- The largest groups of asylum seekers who came to the UK in 2002 were from: Iraq (14,940), Zimbabwe (7,695), Afghanistan (7,380) Somalia (6,680) and China (3,735). (The Refugee Council)
- 85,865 people claimed asylum in the UK in 2002. (The Refugee Council)
- 1,370 asylum seekers are being held in detention (as of April 2002) having committed no crime. 155 have been in detention for more than 6 months. (The Refugee Council)
- A single person applying for asylum receives £37.77 per week to live on (remember it is illegal for an asylum seeker to work so they have no other form of income).
Useful reading
The Citizenship Foundation has published a free illustrated guide for young asylum seekers and refugees aged 14-19, and those who support them.
Life and Law in Britain: A guide for young asylum seekers and refugees provides information to help young asylum seekers and refugees understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to everyday needs and provided support workers with a guide to everyday law, helping them to promote inclusion, literacy and legal understanding.
This book is available FREE from the Citizenship Foundation website >>
Organisations
British Red Cross Society
Red Cross Youth works throughout the UK to meet the most pressing personal, social and health needs of children and young people in the UK and overseas through the promotion and support of active citizenship in schools and youth groups.
The Red Cross also offers an international tracing service for refugees and families divided by war.
Helpline: 020 7235 5454
Telephone: 0844 871 11 11
Address: 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL
Fax: 020 7562 2000
Email: information@redcross.org.uk
Website: http://www.redcross.org.uk/
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants works against racism and for social justice in British and European Community immigration and nationality laws. It represents people with problems caused by these laws. For information supporting families divided by immigration regulations and refugee matters contact them at the address below.
JCWI also gives independent advice on immigration, nationality and refugee issues and runs advice sessions, organises training and publishes leaflets and information on immigration, nationality and citizenship matters in the UK.
Helpline: 020 7251 8706
Telephone: 020 7251 8708
Address: 115 Old Street, London, EC1V 9JR.
Fax: 020 7251 8707
Email: info@jcwi.org.uk
Website: http://www.jcwi.org.uk/
Opening Hours: The helpline is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 2pm - 7pm.
Refugee Council
The Refugee Council is the largest organisation in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees. They give help and support, but also work with asylum seekers and refugees to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.
Telephone: 020 7346 6700
Address: 240-250 Ferndale Road, London, SW9 8BB.
Fax: 020 7346 6701
Email: info@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Website: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/
Save the Children Fund
Save The Children strives to promote the Rights of the Child and to influence national and international policy and practice to achieve lasting benefits for children.
Work overseas principally involves running long-term health, nutrition, education, community development and welfare programmes. In the UK, work includes running family centres and schemes for disadvantaged young people, working with disabled children, prisoners' families and Travellers.
Telephone: 020 7012 6400
Address: 1 St. John's Lane, London, EC1M 4AR
Fax: 020 7012 6963
Email: supporter.care@savethechildren.org.uk
Website: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/
STAR Network
STAR is a national network of young people and university based student groups aged 16-25 that raise awareness of refugee issues, practically support refugees and asylum seekers through volunteering and campaign for refugees’ rights.
Telephone: 020 7729 8880
Address: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, London E2 6HG
Website: http://www.star-network.org.uk/
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is the main UN agency responsible for refugee relief and support programmes throughout the world.
Telephone: 020 7828 9191
Address: Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.
Fax: 020 7828 9191
Website: http://www.unhcr.ch/
Work Permits (UK)
Workpermit.com is registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and offers immigration and work permit consultations and services for entry to the UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada and most Western European Countries.
Please note Work Permits UK does not find jobs for people, nor people for jobs.
Telephone: 0844 991 9222
Address: Home Office, Level 5, Moorfoot, Sheffield, S1 4PQ
Fax: 0845 127 4394
Email: office.forms@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.workpermit.com/uk/uk.htm
Bookmark with