Is it true that asylum seekers and refugees jump to the top of the Council’s lists for housing?
No! Any refugee families resettled by Cornwall Council come through special schemes which are funded by central government not through council tax or council housing stock.
Asylum seekers are not entitled to council housing at any point. Asylum seekers must accept accommodation anywhere in the UK. Private companies such as Clearsprings or Serco are paid by the government to provide accommodation, generally choosing the poorest areas where rents are low so the company can make a profit.
After getting their Refugee status in the UK individuals are entitled to apply for council or Housing Association housing, work and claim benefits like any other citizen. Being a refugee gives no advantage in this process and refugees are disproportionately represented in the homeless population.
Are there too many refugees in the UK already?
The UK is home to only 1% of refugees who have been displaced across the world and make up just 0.6% of the UK population. Based on the number of asylum applications per head of the population, the UK currently ranks 20th in Europe.
Are asylum seekers illegal immigrants?
Under the Geneva Convention which the UK signed in 1951, anyone can claim asylum in any country. Refugees should be supported based on their need for protection, not on how they arrived.
Why don’t asylum seekers work for a living instead of claiming benefits?
Our government does not permit asylum seekers to work until their refugee status is granted. Most adults are desperate to work _and suffer greatly from not being allowed to.
Asylum applications take an average of 21 months to receive an initial decision in the UK, much longer if the case goes to appeal. If the ban on employment for asylum seekers were lifted by the government, it is estimated that the UK economy could gain £333 million per year.
Asylum seekers are not entitled to work or claim benefits. They can only apply for asylum accommodation and support. Currently it is £40.85 a week – just £5.84 a day to cover food, travel, clothing and communication.
Are people who cross the Channel real refugees?
The decision to risk your life to reach a safe country is only taken through absolute desperation. Half of asylum seekers come _from just five countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Eritrea, Sudan and Syria, all of which experienced recent violent conflict. 70% of those whose cases are initially refused are accepted when their case is re-examined more thoroughly through the appeal process.
Will deporting asylum seekers end people smuggling?
There is no evidence that deterrence methods, such as deportation will stop smugglers. People are already fleeing conflict and persecution. If the UK government expanded safe routes, fewer refugees would need to turn to smugglers.
Aren’t there safe, legal routes to the UK?
There are virtually no legal routes for refugees to travel to the UK. The few existing pathways are extremely restricted by nationality and number, for example Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Sources: Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee and The Home Office.