‘Intimidating’ behaviour of removal staff leads to bad practice and risk of abuse
A report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons into the removal of immigration detainees from Heathrow Airport found that varying practice amongst immigration staff carrying out removals “heightened the risk of ill-treatment or abuse” and increased the likelihood of a failed removal.
In one case cited in the report, four Afghan detainees who had been complying with officials were warned by escort staff that they would be “dealt with” if they were “naughty” on the plane. They subsequently refused to leave.
BBC News: Asylum staff are ‘intimidating’
The Independent: Deportees at risk of abuse
The Telegraph: Staff returning illegal immigrant held in Mozambique
Home Office reveals ‘earned citizenship’ plans
Much of the media focused on the ‘earned citizenship’ plans proposed by Home Office which suggest a new points test for citizenship, where probationary citizens will earn points towards full citizenship through criteria such as English language skills, voluntary work or earning potential. People who have been given refugee status will automatically qualify as “probationary citizens”.
The Guardian: New migrants to Britain face 'points test for citizenship'
BBC News: Citizenship points plan launched
Cuts to support for asylum seekers
Cuts to the weekly allowance for asylum seekers were covered further in a comment piece in the Guardian, which cited a recent Refugee Council report into the range of skills the UK is losing by denying the vast majority of asylum seekers entitlement to work.
Read the Refugee Council report
The Guardian: Forcing asylum seekers into destitution
Spotlight on women and children’s asylum experiences
Two stories from women and children who have suffered through the asylum system featured in a Guardian article on asylum seekers in Britain.
The Guardian: ‘Nothing can give us back the last seven years’
Iranian musicians claim asylum in Britain
Musicians from the Iranian band Take It Easy Hospital are seeking asylum in Britain after their drummer was arrested on his return to Iran and has not been heard of since.
"If I go back to Iran I will be arrested automatically because the authorities know what I have been doing," Ash Koosha, the lead singer told The Daily Telegraph. "Since the election things have got a lot worse. There is no hope in Iran for doing what I do.”
The Telegraph: Iran rock band seeks asylum in Britain
The Independent: Iranian stars who shone at Cannes ask Britain for asylum
New guidance on housing for refugees available
The Chartered Institute for Housing (CIH) and the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT) have launched new guidance for advisers to help them improve their services to refugees in need of housing.
24dash.com: New guidance to help improve housing services for refugees and migrants
Refugee stories online
Refugees and refugee organisations’ (such as the Refugee Council) use of blogs and other new media as a way of getting their stories told were explored in an article on Global Voices Online.
Global Voices: Asylum seekers telling their stories
Journalism.co.uk: Asylum seekers can bypass journalists to get their stories heard, but barriers remain
