News / Bristol
Bristol West MP: ‘two-tier refugee system is a costly missed opportunity’
Government policies are creating a “costly two-tier system” of protection for refugees, leaving many homeless, according to a new report chaired by Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire.
A parliamentary paper, published on Tuesday, found that people who are granted refugee status following an asylum claim struggle to access basic support, such as housing, and often have to rely on charities to avoid becoming destitute.
Paradoxically, the report states that people who arrive via resettlement schemes, such as the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme, find it far easier to access services to help them integrate and rebuild their lives.
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Refugees seeking to contribute their skills and talents while they are living in the UK also come up against barriers, something Debbonaire has slammed as both wrong and a “costly missed opportunity for Britain.”
Anas (not his real name) was forced to flee Syria after ISIS occupied his university and Assad’s regime attempted to draft him into the army. He was given refugee status in Britain, but a spelling error by the Home Office left him unable to access secure housing or jobseekers support.
Homeless and jobless in the UK for five months, Anas had to rely on the staff room biscuit tin at the charity shop where he volunteered to get by.
“When I arrived in Britain I was so thankful to have been offered safety,” said Anas.
“All I wanted was to be a good person and give back to the country which sheltered me. I will always be grateful to Britain, but I will never understand a system which stops people like me from getting on my feet and contributing to society.”
Delays and confusion about important Government paperwork, a decline in support following a positive decision on refugee status, patchy English language provision and lack of employment and skills help, are all found to impact many refugees who arrive as asylum seekers.
Debbonaire, who will be fighting for her hotly contested Bristol West seat in the upcoming General Election, said: “The flaws in the system could be easily fixed. The UK can learn from the positives examples of the resettlement programme and the Scottish integration scheme to enable refugees to contribute and feel welcomed.
“Refugees bring so many talents and skills – they just need the opportunities to unlock their potential.”
The inquiry was carried out by a panel of MPs and Peers on behalf of The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees.
A number of recommendations have been set out ahead of the General Election for the incoming Government to improve its support for refugees. These include the creation of a National Refugee Strategy, doubling the current 28-day ‘move on’ period from Home Office support and extra funding for English language classes.
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