The vast majority of refugees arrive in the UK as asylum seekers – this is a legal term that we allocate them until we have reviewed their claim for asylum and determined that they are genuine. Only then are they termed refugees. Apart from the Vulnerable Persons Programme – which until recently only settled 216 Syrian refugees in the UK – there are no routes for individuals to claim asylum in the UK ‘legally’. Those fleeing from their homes generally do so with little warning and therefore cannot collect travel documents, arrange a visa and make travel arrangements. Frequently the process of escape means arduous journeys on foot, in the backs of trucks, and in unseaworthy boats at the hands of the people smugglers who offer the desperate and the brave the only realistic option of escape.
Research has demonstrated that many refugees have no idea where they will end up when they hand over everything they have (or incur a debt that can tie them to indentured labour). Many are detained in special centres when they get to the UK and, despite frequently being unable to speak English well, and not understanding the asylum process, have to begin their claim for asylum soon after arrival when they are disorientated and bewildered. These days the funds for decent solicitors are scarce and many are initially too frightened to tell the full stories of the persecution they experienced – they fear authorities and reprisal. Women who have experienced sexual violence which they may never have before disclosed are naturally reluctant to share harrowing details.
Many have no idea where they will end up when they hand over all they have
Fairly soon after arrival, asylum seekers are dispersed to asylum housing, on a no-choice basis, in areas which are deprived and may have little experience of diversity – vicious attacks and even murders have occurred. Most asylum seekers are aware that they’re not always welcome. They live in poor-quality housing, sharing with strangers while they await the determination of their asylum claim. They are not allowed to work or to study – they have no money for language lessons. Many volunteer to keep themselves busy, and they receive less than 70% of income support to cover all of their food and clothing costs. Poor health results from a combination of physical and mental health problems. The food, the weather, culture, language – everything is different, and they experience the phenomenon of migration bereavement: the loss of everything they knew, everything that made them feel at home. On top of this they may have lost friends and family, seen atrocities committed and/or have been injured. Post-traumatic stress, depression and sleep disorders are common but asylum dispersal areas often lack basic counselling that can help victims of torture.
On top of all the loss and suffering, asylum seekers report feeling overwhelmed by the negative press and public attitudes to them – they came seeking refuge and instead face the presumption of being bogus until they prove otherwise. And proving who you are and what you went through can be very difficult. If you cannot be precise about the dates on which key events happened – and research shows that those who undergo trauma frequently forget details of particularly traumatic events – then you are accused by the barely trained officers who make the all-important decision of concealing information. Those who do not recall the same facts exactly the same way each time they are questioned are accused of lying; women who do not disclose rape until their legal advisor manages to convince them they must are accused of changing their story. Human inconsistences and the well-understood psychological impact of trauma on recall are disregarded.
They experience migration bereavement: the loss of everything they knew, everything that made them feel at home
Only around a quarter of asylum seekers are granted refugee status and most of them are told they can only stay for between three and five years, meaning their futures are by no means certain and they live with the threat of being deported to further persecution. Amnesty International has demonstrated that over a quarter of decisions are overturned at appeal largely because of flawed credibility assessments, while most asylum seekers are homeless and destitute while they await their appeal. Those who gain refugee status are evicted from their asylum housing within 28 days of a positive decision, with all but the highest priority individuals and families made homeless and jobless until they receive a National Insurance number, which can take weeks or even months.
It is essential that the nature of their experiences are better understood and accurately reported, and that we find ways to move beyond the hype that is so damaging and seek to offer genuine refuge and welcome.
Professor Jenny Phillimore is the director of the Institute for Research into Superdiversity
