An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country of origin possibly because of war or human rights abuses, has applied for recognition as a refugee in another country, and is awaiting a decision on their application. Under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, the term asylum seekers includes people who claim that their removal would breach Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights that prohibits torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
A refugee is a person outside their own country who needs and deserves protection because they reasonably believe that their civil or political status puts them at risk of serious harm in that country and that their own government cannot or will not protect them.
In recent years the UK has seen a significant decline in the number of persons claiming asylum or refugee status, after fleeing other parts of the world where conflict or I persecution exist. Home Office statistics show that in the first quarter of 2004 asylum applications continued to fall with a reduction of 20% on the previous quarter. This follows a downward trend, which has reduced the number of asylum applications by over 60% since October 2002. Statistics show that the top nationalities currently claiming asylum are from:
- Somalia
- Iran
- China
- Zimbabwe
- Turkey
In the South West Iraqi form the largest racial group amongst asylum seekers followed by the Somali community.
The expansion of the European Union on 1 May 2004 has also had a significant impact. Persons from Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic (depending upon the country of origin) will no longer be treated as asylum seekers.
Arrangements are now in place to locate new asylum seekers into regional areas of the UK. This will mean that the asylum seeker will have no choice regarding their placement or accommodation. Until recently, no arrangements have been made prior to dispersal, to prepare these groups for integration into our communities. However, recently two induction centres have been established and several more will be in operation by the end of 2004. There are currently no plans for an induction centre to be located in the South West but asylum seekers will still be dispersed to this area after an initial stay at one of the centres.
Asylum seekers are generally not allowed to undertake paid employment. The National Asylum Support Service administers their monetary benefits. Asylum Seekers are issued with an "Asylum Registration Card" (ARC) which they use to collect their money from designated local Post Offices.
Where there are no established communities, the potential will exist for individuals and families with language and cultural difficulties to become isolated and vulnerable. The vast majority is law abiding. Research has shown that it is myth that they commit more crime than anybody else does, in fact as an ethnic group they were shown to commit less crime than the local population. The negative hype that has been generated around this entire issue has led to increases in Racist incidents.
One must be mindful of the potential for conflict between the different dispersed groups, particularly where conflict and persecution continues in countries of origin.
It is important to acknowledge that those who are suspected of being illegal entrants are entitled to the same rights and legal protections as any other person suspected of an offence. Those who are granted "leave to remain" have exactly the same rights as any other member of our society.
We must recognise that this particular group are more likely to be exposed to conflict within the community and towards authority, mainly as a result of negative media exposure, lack of community structure, family segregation or loss, significant language difficulties and cultural isolation. Until applications are accepted or leave to stay is granted. Asylum Seekers are not permitted to work for payment unless an application for asylum was made prior to April 2000.
As refugees and asylum seekers come to us from all areas of the world where conflict and persecution exists, it is not possible to provide comprehensive guidelines and information regarding each particular group.
The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is an integral part of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) responsible for asylum seekers' welfare. It was established to operate a new support scheme, created by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Since 1 April 2000 NASS has been responsible for supporting all new destitute asylum applicants providing effective support to asylum seekers in known locations whilst their claims and appeals are considered. NASS works closely with other parts of IND to ensure that support is given to those who have made a claim for asylum and only for as long as applicants continue to be eligible for support.
NASS have regional offices across the country. In the South West this is based in Bristol.
There are three work streams dealing with the welfare of asylum seekers (Outreach housing management and contracts (Housing Inspections) and investigation into anti social behaviour, racial harassment and fraudulent claims (Investigations).
You can contact NASS for assistance on the following telephone number: 07879 848868.