Seeking asylum and refuge: poverty, destitution and unemployment

This chapter shares insights into the asylum seeker picture in the UK regarding policy and human rights considerations through a Stoke-on-Trent case study based on primary research findings. Asylum seeker policy in the UK is perceived as ‘repressive’ and often asylum seekers are treated more like criminals than victims who are in need of safeguarding and refuge. Asylum seekers regularly bail report and can be detained and fined, which are strategies used for British nationals who have committed crime. The amount of money that asylum seekers are granted each week by the government is minimal and does not cover the necessities. Financial challenges increase with consideration to period poverty and child poverty. Interviews with 19 professionals working in the charity, faith and public sector provide evidence of the poverty and destitution experienced by asylum seekers dispersed to Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent is a popular government dispersal area with pre-existing health and social inequalities. Whilst support services are lifesaving to asylum seekers, the government provides very little additional financial support to the City to address asylum seeker needs. Furthermore, government policy has restrictions on asylum seekers gaining employment which adds to financial strains experienced by asylum seekers and the wider economy. This chapter advocates for policy reform.