Asylum seekers increasingly discriminated against in Wales

Wales is known as a friendly tolerant country which generally welcomes visitors and new residents. With a history of migration, primarily from England, Wales has always held itself up as a role model for warm integration.

However, new research reveals that many asylum seekers have been the victims of racial abuse and a large number are having trouble finding jobs as the composition of the country changes.

Since 2004 when the European Union admitted a raft of new member nations the Welsh workplace and community itself has undergone changes. The UK government immigration policy has also seen a rise in new migrant residents.

Presently there are around 2,500 asylum seekers residing in Wales, predominantly within the larger urban areas of Wrexham, Newport, Swansea and Cardiff. Many have chosen Wales as their new home after being granted residency. Though the Welsh Assembly Government takes significant steps towards positive integration little is known about the new arrivals and how they can best fit in, including what skills they may have or what troubles they make have faced.

Now a new study of some 123 refugees who have been resettled in Wales offers some more robust information. Most come from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, the Congo, Zimbabwe or Somalia. On average the arrivals have higher qualifications than their Welsh counterparts, with over 25% graduating from university as opposed to the Welsh average of 17%. Most are working in low paid secretarial or factory jobs and almost half has been the victim of racial abuse. Some have been discriminated against by local businesses and service providers.

Despite the difficulties the majority believe Wales is a good place to make a new home and raise a family.