Independent report calls for an end to destitution of asylum-seekers

Asylum Matters: Restoring Trust in the UK Asylum System was released on 16 December by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). It makes a raft of recommendations to restore public confidence in the asylum system.

Refugee Action and CAP both welcomed the report and urged the government to review its policy of making refused asylum-seekers destitute.

We have set up a joint action, with a web page which makes it easy for you to write to your Conservative MP or candidate in support of the report. Please send them a letter now!

The report argues that withdrawing all support does not make asylum-seekers return home as intended, and instead has left thousands of people living on Red Cross food parcels and relying on charities. Many have to survive by working in the black economy or turning to prostitution.

The CSJ also advocates increased promotion of voluntary return as an alternative to forced removals, which are distressing and expensive.

Niall Cooper, Coordinator of Church Action on Poverty, said: “It is inhuman and counterproductive for the government to make failed asylum seekers homeless and destitute. We welcome the proposal that refused asylum-seekers who cannot return home should be given a temporary license to enable them to work and to access health care.”

The report also recommends that the UK Border Agency should be limited to enforcement of immigration laws, and that a new independent body consisting of three magistrates should be set up to adjudicate on decisions. Charities and voluntary groups should also support asylum-seekers while their cases are prepared and heard, and should continue to do so as people are either integrated into society or helped to return voluntarily.

Please write to your Conservative MP or candidate, and ask them to read the report and call for an end to the destitution of asylum-seekers.