UK Asylum Seekers Are Facing Shameful Destitution

It now seems that a charity has warned that thousands of refused asylum seekers in the UK are suffering shameful destitution. The British Red Cross said that it had directly helped more than 11,600 destitute asylum seekers in the UK last year, and the number just continues to grow.

The charity went on to say that emergency support for these failed asylum seekers included food parcels, food vouchers, toiletries, travel expenses, clothing, and even accommodation. In the report, which was called Not Gone But Forgotten, the charity called on the government to end destitution among refused asylum seekers.

The Red Cross called for a right to work until an application is either removed or granted. They should also be entitled to health care. Up to 200,000 refused asylum seekers are estimated to be living in the UK by the charity, with 20,000 of these dependent on charities for food and other forms of support.

The refused asylum seekers can currently apply for a limited form of support called section 4 if they are unable to return immediately to their country. However, to qualify they must be taking steps to leave the UK or be appealing against the decision to refuse them asylum.

Many of them do not claim this support, as they are frightened of what will happen to them if they are returned home. Delays in receiving section 4 support have also left refused asylum seekers destitute.

The Red Cross chief executive, Nicholas Young, said that, as humanitarians, they are very concerned about the large number of refused asylum seekers that come to them. They are relying on the Red Cross for food and basic survival needs.