Asylum seekers and refugees - policy
Each country in the United Kingdom is pursuing social inclusion policies. We will ensure that you know which policies are operating where you work and also include key reports and legislation that have informed the policy.
Government departments and other national bodies are arranged in alphabetical order, items which are dated are arranged chronologically with the most recent first.
You might also like to refer to the guidance and agencies and communities sections for further information on asylum seekers and refugees.
UK Wide
British Red Cross (2010) Not gone, but forgotten
The report explores the Red Cross’ work "supporting thousands of destitute asylum seekers and refugees throughout the UK, and the daily challenges they face just to survive". The report’s findings show that, under current policy, thousands of refused asylum seekers are denied employment, made homeless, refused healthcare and rely on handouts to survive. Some policy solutions to help improve this situation are suggested.
Home Office UK Border Agency: Working with migrants from outside the EU
This section is relevant to people and organisations who work with asylum applicants, refugees, those given permission to stay for humanitarian reasons, and unsuccessful asylum applicants. It gives essential, technical information about specific projects and other work done in partnership with other organisations.
Home Office UK Border Agency: Refugee Integration and Employment Service
The RIES will offer a 12-month service to each person granted refugee status or humanitarian protection consisting of three elements – an advice and support service, employment advice service, and a mentoring service.
Independent Asylum Commission
The Commission was established to undertake a nationwide review of the asylum system “on behalf of a whole range of citizens - from those who believe that asylum seekers are not being treated with humanity, to those who believe our asylum system is too generous”. The Commission has produced a series of publications which present the conclusions of the review and the recommendations for reform. This website is now an archive of the Commission's work.
Legislation
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
This act introduced some changes to the immigration appeals processes. It gives immigration officers increased powers, introduces a new asylum model in dealing with asylum claims and a civil penalty scheme for those knowingly employing illegal workers.
England
Department of Health: Asylum seekers and refugees
Relevant policy guidance, advice and resources from the Department of Health for local health and social care agencies.
Northern Ireland
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (2004) Asylum seekers and refugees: policy guidance on access to health and social services (PDF 136.73KB)
“This policy guidance is intended for staff working within the Health and Personal Social Services sector in Northern Ireland, and aims to provide advice and information on the provision of health and social care services to asylum seekers and refugees".
Scotland
Scottish Government: People & Society: Refugees and asylum seekers
The Scottish Government is responsible for devolved issues which relate to asylum seekers who are living in Scottish communities while their immigration application is being processed by the Home Office UK Border Agency. This includes integration initiatives, such as English language classes and translation assistance, and services such as health care, education and legal advice.
Scottish Executive (2004) Refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland: a skills and aspiration audit
This study developed in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council and “partly in response to the negative public discourse that pervades about asylum seekers and refugees” aimed to explore educational experiences and qualifications of refugees and asylum seekers, work experiences, language skills, and their needs and aspirations.
Wales
Welsh Assembly Government: Housing and community: Community cohesion: Asylum seekers and refugees
The Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for the devolved issues which include policies and services in Wales that can help support refugees and asylum seekers.
Welsh Assembly Government (2008) Refugee inclusion strategy
The Strategy “sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s vision of refugee inclusion in Wales. The overall aim of the inclusion strategy is to support and enable refugees to rebuild their lives in Wales and make a full contribution to society”.
Welsh Assembly Government (2006) Refugee housing action plan
This document identifies actions that will be taken to address the housing and related support needs of refugees. The plan also provides information on relevant law and policy.