COMPASSION STARTS WITH KNOWLEDGE
Last updated April 2022
Here are a few of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we get asked regularly by the public. We try to back our answers with supporting evidence/sources so feel free to check those for the latest stats. If there's a question or fact you think we should add, please get in touch.
IF YOU ARE A REFUGEE OR ASYLUM SEEKER PLEASE SEE OUR GET SUPPORT PAGE
IF YOU ARE A REFUGEE OR ASYLUM SEEKER PLEASE SEE OUR GET SUPPORT PAGE
- What's the difference between refugee, asylum seeker & migrant?
- What's the difference between resettlement and asylum?
- Why are refugees coming to the UK? Aren't they better off nearer to their country of origin?
- But aren't many asylum seekers drawn to the UK because of its generous benefit system?
- Hasn't the UK taken its fair share of refugees already?
- Isn’t it the Government’s responsibility to resettle refugees? Why are we being asked to help?
- What happens to those who enter the UK outside of official safe routes, including children?
- How do refugees get assigned around the country and what is the National Transfer Scheme?
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REFUGEE, ASYLUM SEEKER & MIGRANT?
- Refugee - someone who “…owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country…” (United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees, 1951). In the UK, if their asylum application is approved, people are given refugee status and five years’ 'leave to remain'. They must then apply for further leave, although their status as a refugee is not limited to five years.
- Asylum seeker (or person seeking asylum) - A person who has left their country of origin and formally applied for asylum in another country but whose application has not yet been concluded and they have not yet been granted refugee status.
- Refused asylum seeker - A person whose asylum application has been unsuccessful and who has no other claim for protection awaiting a decision. The UNHCR clarifies this doesn't make them a bogus asylum-seeker or an illegal asylum seeker, it just means they haven’t been able to meet the very strict criteria to prove their need for protection as a refugee. It is very common for people fleeing for safety to not have time or knowledge or ability to leave with all the right paperwork required for evidence. Some refused asylum seekers voluntarily return home, others are forcibly returned. For some, it is not safe or practical to return until conditions in their country change.
- Migrant - Someone who has moved to another country for other reasons, such as to join family, work or study, or because of political unrest, poverty, natural disasters or other circumstances in their country of origin.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RESETTLEMENT + ASYLUM?
These are are two separate routes through which refugees may find sanctuary in the UK. In both cases people are often fleeing the same conflicts. But there are also a few differences:
- Resettlement programmes identify refugees in countries near to their country of origin, where they have claimed asylum. After a long process of vetting and preparation, they are then flown to a third country, like the UK, with full refugee status and do not enter the asylum system. Find out more about current UK resettlement schemes in our Safe & Legal Routes page. See also the Home Office's UK refugee resettlement policy guidance (Aug 2021).
- Asylum seekers are those who have already arrived in the UK. Because the UK is an island and offers no ‘asylum visa’, there are no safe, legal ways for a refugee to reach the UK to claim asylum. This means that asylum seekers often risk their lives making treacherous journeys to arrive here.
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FIND OUT MORE:
Latest UK Resettlement schemes - Safe and Legal Routes into the UK Home Office UK refugee resettlement policy guidance (Aug 2021) |
WHY ARE REFUGEES COMING TO THE UK?
AREN'T THEY BETTER OFF NEARER TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN?
Of the 26.4 m refugees and 3.9m displaced Venezuelans, 73% are hosted in neighbouring countries and 86% are hosted in developing countries. (Source: UNHCR: Global trends - Forced displacement in 2020)
Only a tiny fraction of the 26.4m (around 135K or 0.51%) are being hosted by the UK (source: UNHCR). The top 5 countries that host refugees are Turkey 3.7 million, Colombia 1.7m, Pakistan 1.4m, Uganda 1.4m and Germany 1.2m (source: UNHCR).
They come to the UK usually because they have family or connections that might help them settle, and/or they speak the language and if you can imagine being displaced, friends and family can be a real life line. This is also the case for all the ones we've met in Elmbridge.
Is it really our problem? On many occasions (but not all) the UK has responded generously to the needs of those forced out of their homes because of conflict. On humanitarian grounds, the UK has an obligation* (shared with other nations) to provide sanctuary to those forced to flee their homes and their countries. And we have a particular responsibility to help those attempting to cross the Mediterranean. These people are fleeing countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq where conflict has been violent and protracted, and where the UK has played a role in some shape or form. The UK might not be responsible for the refugee crisis, but that's not to say that our actions do not leave us with a responsibility towards those who are affected.
*The Refugee Convention – which outlines international obligations to protect those fleeing war, torture and oppression – was drafted following the Holocaust in the wake of the persecution and death of millions of innocent people. To date, no country has repealed their commitment to welcome refugees.
Only a tiny fraction of the 26.4m (around 135K or 0.51%) are being hosted by the UK (source: UNHCR). The top 5 countries that host refugees are Turkey 3.7 million, Colombia 1.7m, Pakistan 1.4m, Uganda 1.4m and Germany 1.2m (source: UNHCR).
They come to the UK usually because they have family or connections that might help them settle, and/or they speak the language and if you can imagine being displaced, friends and family can be a real life line. This is also the case for all the ones we've met in Elmbridge.
Is it really our problem? On many occasions (but not all) the UK has responded generously to the needs of those forced out of their homes because of conflict. On humanitarian grounds, the UK has an obligation* (shared with other nations) to provide sanctuary to those forced to flee their homes and their countries. And we have a particular responsibility to help those attempting to cross the Mediterranean. These people are fleeing countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq where conflict has been violent and protracted, and where the UK has played a role in some shape or form. The UK might not be responsible for the refugee crisis, but that's not to say that our actions do not leave us with a responsibility towards those who are affected.
*The Refugee Convention – which outlines international obligations to protect those fleeing war, torture and oppression – was drafted following the Holocaust in the wake of the persecution and death of millions of innocent people. To date, no country has repealed their commitment to welcome refugees.
BUT AREN'T MANY ASYLUM SEEKERS DRAWN TO THE UK BECAUSE OF ITS GENEROUS BENEFITS SYSTEM?
NUMBER OF ASYLUM APPLICANTS TO THE TOP THREE COUNTRIES IN THE EU+ AND THE UK, YEAR ENDING JUNE 2017 TO JUNE 2021. SOURCE: UK GOVERNMENT
This is a common belief. But the evidence doesn’t support it. The UK isn’t a first choice destination for refugees in Europe . In the year ending September 2021, Germany received the highest number of asylum applicants (127,730) in the EU+ (EU, EEA and Switzerland), followed by France (96,510). When compared with the EU+, the UK received the 4th largest number of applicants (44,190 – including main applicants and dependants). This equates to 8% of the total asylum applicants. Source UNHCR
During the months, or sometimes years of waiting for a final asylum decision, a single asylum seeker gets just over £5.83 a day, or £40.85 a week. That has to cover all food, travel, sanitation and clothing – everything except housing and fuel bills. (Source: Home Office )
At the end of December 2021, 100,564 people were waiting for an outcome on their initial claim for asylum. Of these, 61,864 (61%) had been waiting for more than 6 months (source Refugee Council). The process can be very difficult, often not having enough evidence (often they are fleeing with very little documentation), or a lack of legal support or knowing the system as well as language difficulties.
Most importantly, asylum seekers aren't allowed to work, and are normally housed in properties that are otherwise hard to fill. Most asylum seekers are living in poverty and experience poor health and hunger. They often avoid accessing the NHS, afraid of being deported and other barriers. All of this has implications on their mental and physical health, often long term.
This 'support' ends, within 28 days of them being granted refugee status. It may sound like a decent period of time, but imagine trying to find a house with no money for a deposit, open a bank account without an address, find a job, a school for the kids etc. all in one month, with no other income and a foreign language barrier. This often results in them becoming homeless or moving from sofa to sofa (source Refugee Council).
During the months, or sometimes years of waiting for a final asylum decision, a single asylum seeker gets just over £5.83 a day, or £40.85 a week. That has to cover all food, travel, sanitation and clothing – everything except housing and fuel bills. (Source: Home Office )
At the end of December 2021, 100,564 people were waiting for an outcome on their initial claim for asylum. Of these, 61,864 (61%) had been waiting for more than 6 months (source Refugee Council). The process can be very difficult, often not having enough evidence (often they are fleeing with very little documentation), or a lack of legal support or knowing the system as well as language difficulties.
Most importantly, asylum seekers aren't allowed to work, and are normally housed in properties that are otherwise hard to fill. Most asylum seekers are living in poverty and experience poor health and hunger. They often avoid accessing the NHS, afraid of being deported and other barriers. All of this has implications on their mental and physical health, often long term.
This 'support' ends, within 28 days of them being granted refugee status. It may sound like a decent period of time, but imagine trying to find a house with no money for a deposit, open a bank account without an address, find a job, a school for the kids etc. all in one month, with no other income and a foreign language barrier. This often results in them becoming homeless or moving from sofa to sofa (source Refugee Council).
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FIND OUT MORE:
City of Sanctuary Refugee Council - The Truth about Asylum How the UK can save millions by changing the 28 day rule |
HASN'T THE UK TAKEN ITS FAIR SHARE OF REFUGEES ALREADY?
SOURCE: UNHCR and World Bank
The Home Office is often quoting "Britain has resettled more refugees from outside Europe than any other EU state" (source: Home Office). In fact, the resettlement figures are only a handful of refugees more than France, and the resettlement program is just a fraction of the refugee intake, representing those who are particularly vulnerable and have been assessed by UNHCR as needing urgent resettlement. So it's important to look at total refugee numbers, where the picture looks very different.
There are currently around 135,000 refugees living in the UK, that's about 0.2% of the total UK population. In other words, the UK hosts 2 refugees in 1000 of population (source UNHCR ). This is a fraction of non-European Economic Area nationals arriving in the UK .
Worldwide around 86% of all refugees live in developing regions, not in wealthy industrialised countries (source: UNHCR). Lebanon, a country the size of Yorkshire, hosts the most refugees relative to their population, estimated to be somewhere between 1 in 4 and 1 in 5 people (over 200 per 1000 people), putting an enormous strain on its resources. (Source: UNHCR, UNICEF, European Commission, World Bank.)
In Europe, many other countries host more than us, some of which include Germany (over 14 refugees in 1000 population), Greece (9 in 1000), France (6 per 1000), and smaller poorer EU countries like Malta (17 per 1000), Sweden (24 per 1000), and Cyprus (11 per 1000). None of these figures include asylum seekers. Source: UNHCR, Worldbank
There are currently around 135,000 refugees living in the UK, that's about 0.2% of the total UK population. In other words, the UK hosts 2 refugees in 1000 of population (source UNHCR ). This is a fraction of non-European Economic Area nationals arriving in the UK .
Worldwide around 86% of all refugees live in developing regions, not in wealthy industrialised countries (source: UNHCR). Lebanon, a country the size of Yorkshire, hosts the most refugees relative to their population, estimated to be somewhere between 1 in 4 and 1 in 5 people (over 200 per 1000 people), putting an enormous strain on its resources. (Source: UNHCR, UNICEF, European Commission, World Bank.)
In Europe, many other countries host more than us, some of which include Germany (over 14 refugees in 1000 population), Greece (9 in 1000), France (6 per 1000), and smaller poorer EU countries like Malta (17 per 1000), Sweden (24 per 1000), and Cyprus (11 per 1000). None of these figures include asylum seekers. Source: UNHCR, Worldbank
ISN'T IT THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO RESETTLE REFUGEES?
WHY ARE WE BEING ASKED TO HELP?
We believe that resettling refugees is best done with communities, rather than something that’s done to them. Working together like this is far more likely to result in mutual understanding and increase the likelihood of refugees integrating and feeling a sense of comfort.
On a purely practical note, most local councils won’t have the capacity to deal with the complexities effective resettlement requires. Many won’t have even been involved in resettlement schemes before. Involving the community means that local knowledge can be applied to practical things like finding suitable properties.
Millions of people have been moved by the stories and images of refugees fleeing their homes. We can all feel powerless in the face of the magnitude of the situation. But supporting refugees once they're in the UK, is a practical way that we can help.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO ENTER THE UK OUTSIDE OF OFFICIAL SAFE ROUTES, INCLUDING CHILDREN?
Firstly a little about the law. It is a human right for anyone to claim asylum in another country and International law provides a defence against prosecuting refugees for entering the UK outside of the limited government-authorised routes (Source House of Commons Library ).
Why do they not just claim asylum in France or even better, in their first country of entry? The numbers indicate that most refugees that make it to France DO claim asylum there. For example, UK annual figures had 44,190 first time asylum applications to September 2021 (Source: UK Government), whereas France had 96,510 to September 2021 and in the past 5 years the difference has been much more significant. (Source UNHCR)
Aren't they obliged to claim in their first safe country? This is a tricky area. International law states that refugees are not obliged to claim asylum in the first safe country they cross, as recognised in UK case law, under Section 31 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. However, under a long-standing EU deal, called "Dublin III", the UK does have the right to send back anyone who is seeking asylum if they could have reasonably claimed it in another country along the way. That arrangement has ended with Brexit (Jan 2021), and unless the UK and the EU agree a similar deal it's no longer valid. Source House of Commons Library
Why are they mostly young men or boys? According to Care4Calais , most of the people trying to cross are from Afghanistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran and Syria. The reason most are young men (some as young as 13) is because in the Middle East they are escaping recruitment by radical groups like ISIS and the Taliban. In Sudan they are being persecuted/killed to stop them rebelling against the government, or in Eritrea they can be conscripted for what is effectively a life sentence.
For the ones that are desperate enough to risk their lives to get here, evidence shows that the majority of their asylum claims prove them to be genuine refugees, who will be recognised as such once their asylum claims are processed. For example, the Home Office data for Iranians for the year to March 2020 shows that more than 60% of Iranian asylum applications get approved, and from those rejected, a number will get approved on appeal (Source Home Office) and a number will fail because of lack of documentation (difficult when you're fleeing a hurry) or lack of decent legal support.
The UK Government also has a legal duty to provide care and protection for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) who reach the UK illegally. Care is provided by the local social services department in the area the child is found.
Currently the counties in the South East of England bear the greatest burden of care for UASC as many are smuggled by people traffickers across the English Channel.
There is a significant shortage of foster care placements for these children.
Why do they not just claim asylum in France or even better, in their first country of entry? The numbers indicate that most refugees that make it to France DO claim asylum there. For example, UK annual figures had 44,190 first time asylum applications to September 2021 (Source: UK Government), whereas France had 96,510 to September 2021 and in the past 5 years the difference has been much more significant. (Source UNHCR)
Aren't they obliged to claim in their first safe country? This is a tricky area. International law states that refugees are not obliged to claim asylum in the first safe country they cross, as recognised in UK case law, under Section 31 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. However, under a long-standing EU deal, called "Dublin III", the UK does have the right to send back anyone who is seeking asylum if they could have reasonably claimed it in another country along the way. That arrangement has ended with Brexit (Jan 2021), and unless the UK and the EU agree a similar deal it's no longer valid. Source House of Commons Library
Why are they mostly young men or boys? According to Care4Calais , most of the people trying to cross are from Afghanistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran and Syria. The reason most are young men (some as young as 13) is because in the Middle East they are escaping recruitment by radical groups like ISIS and the Taliban. In Sudan they are being persecuted/killed to stop them rebelling against the government, or in Eritrea they can be conscripted for what is effectively a life sentence.
For the ones that are desperate enough to risk their lives to get here, evidence shows that the majority of their asylum claims prove them to be genuine refugees, who will be recognised as such once their asylum claims are processed. For example, the Home Office data for Iranians for the year to March 2020 shows that more than 60% of Iranian asylum applications get approved, and from those rejected, a number will get approved on appeal (Source Home Office) and a number will fail because of lack of documentation (difficult when you're fleeing a hurry) or lack of decent legal support.
The UK Government also has a legal duty to provide care and protection for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) who reach the UK illegally. Care is provided by the local social services department in the area the child is found.
Currently the counties in the South East of England bear the greatest burden of care for UASC as many are smuggled by people traffickers across the English Channel.
There is a significant shortage of foster care placements for these children.
HOW DO REFUGEES GET ASSIGNED AROUND THE COUNTRY AND WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TRANSFER SCHEME?
BBC article 'Where have the UK's 10,000 Syrian refugees gone?' 24 April 2018
Each local authority can decide how many refugees they want to take as part of the resettlement schemes, or how many asylum seekers they want to volunteer to house, so the spread is uneven. For example in the case of Syrians, the picture from a 2018 BBC article shows some counties with more than 13 Syrian refugees and asylum seekers per 10,000 population, and some with less than 5.
The National Transfer Scheme was launched in July 2016 as a voluntary scheme to allow the care of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) to be shared fairly across the UK's local authorities.
The intention is that UASC comprise no more than 0.07% of the total child population in any given local authority area. It's a voluntary scheme and local authorities do not have to transfer children. The government has faced repeated calls to change the scheme from voluntary to mandatory, to ease the impact on local authorities on the south coast that care for the majority of the unaccompanied children and have reached their limits.
The National Transfer Scheme was launched in July 2016 as a voluntary scheme to allow the care of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) to be shared fairly across the UK's local authorities.
The intention is that UASC comprise no more than 0.07% of the total child population in any given local authority area. It's a voluntary scheme and local authorities do not have to transfer children. The government has faced repeated calls to change the scheme from voluntary to mandatory, to ease the impact on local authorities on the south coast that care for the majority of the unaccompanied children and have reached their limits.
HOW CAN REFUGEES COME TO ELMBRIDGE & WHAT'S THE SITUATION?
As of June 2022, ElmbridgeCAN is supporting over 100 families from various countries including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey (up from 25 families in 2021). Several Syrians and Afghans have arrived through government resettlement schemes, Ukrainians via the government host scheme, and the rest have made their way here independently seeking asylum in the UK. (What's the difference between resettlement and asylum?)
Elmbridge Borough Council has committed to settling up to 5 more Syrian families and 5 families under the Afghan Locally Employed Staff (ALES) Relocation Scheme, for interpreters and other locally employed by UK staff many of who are still stuck in bridging hotels following the emergency evacuations in Aug 2021. (In Elmbridge we have one bridging hotel housing over 40 families.) We are working closely with the Council to help find properties but this is proving to be extremely difficult. Latest news & updates on Support for those fleeing Afghanistan, from ELMBRIDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker living in Elmbridge who could benefit from support, or if you would like to refer an individual or family, get in touch with us.
If you'd like to help Elmbridge to welcome more refugees, you can become a Community Sponsor or become a host, or help with the latest campaigns that influence our Government to take further action that will apply to Elmbridge.
Elmbridge Borough Council has committed to settling up to 5 more Syrian families and 5 families under the Afghan Locally Employed Staff (ALES) Relocation Scheme, for interpreters and other locally employed by UK staff many of who are still stuck in bridging hotels following the emergency evacuations in Aug 2021. (In Elmbridge we have one bridging hotel housing over 40 families.) We are working closely with the Council to help find properties but this is proving to be extremely difficult. Latest news & updates on Support for those fleeing Afghanistan, from ELMBRIDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker living in Elmbridge who could benefit from support, or if you would like to refer an individual or family, get in touch with us.
If you'd like to help Elmbridge to welcome more refugees, you can become a Community Sponsor or become a host, or help with the latest campaigns that influence our Government to take further action that will apply to Elmbridge.
HOW CAN I HELP WITH THE AFGHAN AND UKRAINIAN SITUATION?
There are lots of ways you can help, from hosting and letting your property to making financial or material donations, or volunteering for specific roles. Visit our Get involved page for details.