Asylum seekers left in poverty

14/05/2009

More than half of asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland destitute

More than half of asylum seekers and refugees seeking support in Scotland are destitute, according to the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC).

A survey of 569 people using the services in Glasgow showed 52% were classed as destitute; without any state benefits or support, and sleeping rough or staying with friends.

Campaigners fear more and more are struggling with the asylum process, since a similar survey in 2007 indicated a destitution rate of about 36%.

“As the survey shows, the system continues to fail some of the most vulnerable people in our communities," said John Wilkes, chief executive of the SRC. "There are many ways the UK Border Agency can help alleviate this desperation – by allowing asylum seekers at any stage of their claim the right to work, or by streamlining the process so that benefits get to the claimant on time."

At one of the country's leading support groups, Positive Action in Housing (PAIH), 98% looking for help were destitute, with many at the end of their asylum claim.

Robina Qureshi, director of PAIH, said: “We see dozens of people every single month who are desperate with no money and nowhere to live. But they would still rather face this fate in the UK than return to their home country where their and their children’s lives are in danger."