Failed refugees ‘left destitute’ (From thisisoxfordshire)

Failed refugees ‘left destitute’

8:55am Tuesday 22nd August 2006 in

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There are more than 150 destitute failed asylum seekers living in Oxford, an asylum welfare group has warned.

Asylum Welcome, which helps 880 asylum seekers and refugees in the county with support and advice, has said 20 per cent of their clients have not been granted permission to stay.

Many have gone underground', too scared to go the authorities for support for fear of deportation.

Others are penniless while awaiting benefits to come through, as they are forbidden from working.

'People in Britain don't understand. In many countries, they do not live by the rules we live by here. People should not have to agree to return to countries where they would be in danger to receive the minimal support they need to survive'

Mercedes Cumberbatch

Some are in limbo because their home country will not accept them back, but they are not allowed to stay in the UK, and so are not eligible for benefits.

They must rely on friends and small handouts from charities and churches to survive.

Mercedes Cumberbatch, Asylum Welcome director, said: "We estimate that over 150 of Asylum Welcome's clients, including the seriously ill, pregnant women and other vulnerable people, are destitute 'failed' asylum seekers.

"Either through administrative errors, lost documents or administrative delays, they are not receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. Some are too frightened to sign up for support as it requires them to take all reasonable steps to return to their countries voluntarily.

"These are often countries where their lives would be at risk - Zimbabwe, Iran, Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan.

"As our resources are limited, there is little we can do to help these clients beyond giving them emotional support and a warm drink when they come to see us.

"We find it heartbreaking that they are reduced to living in fear and without hope and call on the Government to undertake an immediate reform of asylum seeker support.

"People in Britain don't understand. In many countries, they do not live by the rules we live by here.

"People should not have to agree to return to countries where they would be in danger to receive the minimal support they need to survive."

Asylum Welcome family worker Ritah Kaala said she was particularly worried about the welfare of women that have had their asylum claims rejected.

She said: "Some women who have come here alone and met a partner here are forced to stay with that partner for support. One woman has told me she would rather stay here with a violent partner than be removed.

"Another said she was sleeping with many different partners as she needed money to live and somewhere to stay.

"It's the only way to survive - that's how desperation drives people.

"Destitution has many faces - it forces people to do things they don't want to do."

CASE STUDY

One 43-year-old Iranian man told the Oxford Mail his story. He fled Iran in 2000 after suffering political persecution and was refused asylum in Britain in 2004, and was deported to Iran where he was detained and tortured.

He escaped and came back to Britain. His two children, who are both under 18, have also fled to England and have been taken into care. He sees them in secret to evade the authorities.

The family he has left in Iran have now been targeted - one of his brothers died in prison, another has just been imprisoned - and he fears for another brother's life.

He said: "When I came to this country I told the Home Office I didn't want a single penny. I wanted to work to make myself.

"I know some people come here because they want money but not me. I just want somewhere safe for my children.

"I am staying here with a friend. If it wasn't for her I would have nothing.

"What would I do without her? Shoplift and then be arrested and put in prison? Where are my human rights?"