Refugee Council

Far too many people seeking asylum are being housed in unsuitable accommodation at an enormous cost to the public purse. As IPPR's important report reflects, we know from the people we work with that this can have a long-lasting impact on peoples' physical and mental health.   There is a better way to manage this challenge. We echo IPPR’s calls, starting with moving control for asylum accommodation away from central Government and towards the community, where regional bodies can be empowered to find tailored and affordable solutions that best support people seeking asylum but also the areas local to where they are accommodated.   People who come to this county in search of safety are fleeing the horrors of war, violence and persecution and simply want to be safe. It’s essential that Government give them decent places to live and access to essential services while they have their claims processed.

We are deeply saddened by yet another tragic and preventable loss of life in the Channel. Each death is a reminder that those making these perilous journeys are desperate people, fleeing conflict, persecution, and war, simply seeking safety and a future free from fear. This year has already become the deadliest for Channel crossings, with more than 50 lives lost. We should not accept the frequency and scale of loss as inevitable. The Government must do everything possible to break this cycle of death by adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes disrupting smuggling networks, while also ensuring safe and legal pathways for those seeking asylum and working closely with European partners.

Our statement on the devastating death of a baby in an attempted Channel crossing.

‘Coproduction is uncomfortable’ These words by Reem ASSIL when reflecting on the work on #EquityCatalysts are sticking with me after having some really interesting conversations today at Migration Exchange (MEX) event on ‘Rethinking future leadership in migration sector’. Leaders are so used to ‘doing’ but less on reflecting and reimagining ourselves, our welbeing and leadership and we need to explore those uncomfortable areas including bias and systemic racism too. Refugee Council Lived Experience Career Development project will soon be starting pilot initiatives working with organisations and individuals from the sector looking at how we go to these ‘uncomfortable’ areas of positive change and support for lived experience leadership. Some initiatives are: - radical coaching, - accountability spaces for anti-racism, - managers upskilling, - Inclusive language guide, -career progression guide, - formal language training and peer led language cafès - and other learning towards career progression for refugees More info is here https://lnkd.in/gFRMgmAB

We are grateful to the EA Foundation for their generous £25,000 contribution towards our Refugee Advice Project (RAP). This funding has been vital in supporting refugees at a critical point in their journey—moving from asylum support to mainstream welfare. As Yasmin Comez reflected during her visit, this transition often leaves individuals at risk of homelessness, and it is in these moments that our RAP team steps in. Over the first six months of the project, our dedicated staff have provided tailored housing advice to over 97 clients, helping them to navigate this challenging time and build more stable futures. We deeply appreciate the EA Foundation’s partnership, which enables us to continue providing the support refugees need to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. To read Yasmin’s full reflections, visit the link below 👇

At the time of the general election, the UK’s asylum system was at breaking point. Our new report uncovers the deep human cost of delays and inefficiencies, and highlights urgent reforms needed to restore fairness and dignity to people seeking safety. The Government inherited an asylum system that was utterly broken. Decisive early action has been taken to stop the system from falling over but, instead of mending and making do, there needs to be comprehensive reform to create a fair, orderly and humane asylum system. Key findings in our report include: • Due to the previous Government’s Illegal Migration Act 2023, in the months leading up to the general election the productivity of the asylum system was at its lowest since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. • A projected surge in the backlog, which could reach record levels without swift action.  • An alarming rise in homelessness among refugees after receiving positive asylum decisions—up by 253% in just one year. Our recommendations focus on: • Addressing the backlog to ensure people don’t wait years for safety.  • Providing better support and housing for newly recognised refugees.  • Repealing harmful legislation, such as the Illegal Migration Act.  • Expanding safe routes to allow more families to reunite and rebuild their lives. People seeking asylum need quick decisions so they can feel secure about their future in Britain, while the public needs to feel confident that the Government is making fair decisions about who can stay in the UK and who cannot.  We stand ready to work with the Government to ensure a system that protects refugees and helps them rebuild their lives. 

👀 How to Create an #Immigration Account & Link Your #eVisa 💻 Step by step guide in #Ukrainian by Settled, in partnership with Refugee Council Важлива інформація для всіх українців, які перебувають у Великій Британії за українськими візовими схемами. Покрокова інструкція, як пов’язати вашу електронну візу з імміграційним обліковим записом. Юлія Ісмаіл, Ukrainian Advice Service, Settled У партнерстві з Радою у справах біженців https://lnkd.in/excgBqcj cc Association of Ukrainians In Great Britain

At the Refugee Council, we’ve seen first hand the impact that decisions around age assessments can have on the lives of young people seeking asylum in Britain. This report by Young Roots and partners, highlights key recommendations for improving decision-making around age assessments, which have huge consequences on the lives of young people. We support the call for better assessments ensuring social workers have the tools they need to safeguard vulnerable children. A vital read for everyone committed to child protection: https://lnkd.in/e96uY_ph  

Imagine fleeing your home, leaving everything behind to seek safety. For many refugees arriving in Britain, one of the challenges of rebuilding their lives is facing the risk homelessness. After waiting for asylum decisions that could take years, they find themselves with just 28 days to secure a home and find a new source of income before being evicted. They have to navigate an unfamiliar rental market—all without references or savings, as they weren’t allowed to work while claiming asylum. With high rents, language barriers, and limited job opportunities, the risk of homelessness is a constant threat after being granted their refugee status. Refugees are resilient, but the system they face can make rebuilding their lives incredibly difficult. Understanding these barriers helps us understand the urgent need for long-term solutions and support for those starting over after reaching safety. This winter, with more refugees than ever at risk of homelessness, it's crucial to raise awareness and understand the challenges they face.

What is life like for people in the asylum system? Hannah is a talented young artist and writer, who believes that the asylum system needs to change – and soon. Her work captures the pain and frustration of the long, stressful wait for freedom. She is a member of our Youth Advocacy and Campaigns Group, with lived experience of these issues, and hopes to shed light on the untold stories of people in the asylum system. Click on the link to see more of Hannah’s powerful work: https://bit.ly/4eVnvnL