Asylum In The UK
Asylum Overview
a·sy·lum seek·er
noun
- A person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another.
The world is in the grip of one of the worst forced displacement crises ever. Over 65 million people around the globe have had to flee their homes – that’s like the entire British population having to relocate. Millions have had to leave their country and have become refugees. Fortunately most of us in the UK have grown up in safety, but if we were ever to become refugees, we would all hope that another country would welcome us.
The dreadful scenes still being witnessed in the Mediterranean and across Europe are a symptom of this wider, global crisis. Last year 172, 362 people arrived in Europe via sea. Just under half were women and children.
In 2022, an estimated 670,600 people sought safety in Europe. Of these Britain received 48,000 asylum applications,
At the end of last year 44,850 asylum seekers and their dependants were being supported by the UK Government under both section 4 and section 95 support.
Asylum housing in the UK
The UK Government has granted a contract to SERCO, a major international blue chip company to provide social housing for those seeking Asylum in the U.K.
There is currently a massive shortage of this type of social housing and therefore the UK Government is having to look to private landlords to help meet the demand.
The total number of people seeking asylum in the UK in 2021 was 56,495 this figure will be exceeded in 2022
Working on an average of four to five people per property the total number of properties required to meet demand was over 12,000.
The UK Government has made a commitment to continue to house asylum seekers with a further 10 year contract and to review further support at that time.
Seeking asylum in the UK
Can be a complex and challenging journey, marked by a mix of hope, uncertainty, and often difficult circumstances. Here’s a more detailed overview of what it can be like for individuals seeking asylum in the UK
01
Fleeing Persecution
Asylum seekers are often fleeing from life-threatening situations, such as political persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights abuses in their home countries. Their decision to seek asylum is often driven by the need for safety and protection.
02
Arrival and Application
Upon arriving in the UK, asylum seekers need to apply for asylum as soon as possible. This involves submitting an application to the Home Office, providing detailed information about their background, reasons for seeking asylum, and any evidence they have to support their claims.
03
Initial Screening and Interview
Asylum seekers undergo an initial screening to determine the basics of their case. If their case is considered credible, they are then interviewed by a Home Office caseworker. This interview is crucial, as it's where they present their asylum claim and provide evidence to support it.
04
Waiting Period
After the interview, there's often a waiting period during which individuals might be placed in government-provided accommodations. During this time, they may not be allowed to work and might have limited access to public funds. This waiting period can last several months or even years and can be mentally and emotionally taxing.
05
Asylum Decision
The Home Office reviews the application, interview, and evidence provided. The decision can take a considerable amount of time, during which asylum seekers are often in a state of uncertainty. The fear of rejection and potential deportation can be a constant source of stress.
06
Appeals and Legal Proceedings
If the application is rejected, individuals have the right to appeal the decision. This involves navigating legal processes and can be quite challenging, especially without proper legal representation. Appeals can extend the waiting period and heighten anxiety.
07
Living Conditions
Accommodation provided to asylum seekers by the government or contracted organizations can vary widely in quality and location. Kendall Investments Ltd pride themselves in providing high quality fully refurbished and furnished accommodation.
08
Integration Challenges
If granted asylum, individuals must adjust to life in the UK. This includes adapting to a new culture, possibly learning a new language, finding housing, and seeking employment. Integration can be a lengthy process with its own set of challenges.
09
Emotional Toll
The entire process of seeking asylum can take a toll on individuals' mental and emotional well-being. The uncertainty, trauma from past experiences, and challenges they face in the asylum process can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
10
Integration Challenges
If granted asylum, individuals must adjust to life in the UK. This includes adapting to a new culture, possibly learning a new language, finding housing, and seeking employment. Integration can be a lengthy process with its own set of challenges.
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