CAMPAIGNING FOR AN END TO ASYLUM SEEKER DESTITUTION
The policy of deliberately forcing asylum seekers into destitution is one of the most reprehensible.
When someone seeks asylum, they are offered welfare support equal to 70% of income support, and are prevented from working. Asylum seekers struggle to survive even with meagre income. However, if their claim is refused, and they have no appeal rights left, all support is withdrawn and an increasing number are left homeless and hungry.
Sadly, many of these people are unable to return home, in many cases because it simply isn’t safe. So they are left destitute, forced to sleep rough, or on friends’ floors, relying on soup kitchens and day centres for food and clothing.
The government recognises that there are people in this situation who cannot go home, but refuses to do anything about it.
We think this is unacceptable. It is inhumane, and puts an intolerable burden on charities and communities.
YOU CAN HELP. The Refugee Council is part of the Still Human Still Here campaign, a coalition of several other agencies campaigning to end this barbaric practice.
