Latest news with #AsylumMatters
The National
3 days ago
- General
- The National
Anti-migrant politics of UK leaves new Scots 'hopeless and afraid'
A host of organisations across Scotland have joined more than 350 homelessness charities, refugee organisations, LGBT+ support groups, and faith groups in a UK-wide pledge to combat 'the politics of division' and declare Britain an "island of solidarity". The statement, coordinated by Asylum Matters, warns that a growing 'politics of division is placing communities under attack'. It highlights comments by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the UK risks "becoming an island of strangers" as he launched controversial new migration policies including extending the period before a person can apply for citizenship from five to 10 years' residency. READ MORE: The 5 big issues dominating the Hamilton by-election Support groups have said such rhetoric is having 'a real knock-on impact' on refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland. Scottish signatories of the statement include the Scottish Refugee Council, LGBTQ+ support groups including LGBT Health and Wellbeing and Scottish Trans, and grassroots refugee support groups like Refugee Sanctuary Scotland, Ubuntu Women Shelter and Maryhill Integration Network. Dania Thomas, director of Glasgow's Ubuntu Women Shelter, said the comments from the UK Government are causing women they support to feel "too afraid to do anything". "When there are these spikes in anti-immigrant sentiment it has a real knock-on effect on the women we support: they withdraw, they won't come out to the social gatherings, they don't want to engage with the legal system, it feels hopeless and hostile, there's a complete loss of trust, fear that leads to them being too afraid to do anything really, it takes a lot of support to help them start engaging again," she said. "We have a template of what it looks like when hostile policies are announced, from when the Rwanda Act was introduced, and it was the same this time. "There had been a sense of relief that the Rwanda scheme was gone and a feeling that there's going to be a fairer asylum system, but then you have the Border Security Bill and the white paper, which is even more concerning, particularly in extending the settlement route, from five years to 10 years, that's been a big concern for women who've come through the service. Keir Starmer has said the UK risks becoming an 'island of strangers' if immigration policy is not tightened "The Government needs to be aware of how policies and rhetoric like this affects people. There are many components of the immigration system that work and many that don't work, but when you're being reactive and not thinking things through that's where the harm comes." Thomas said single mums are being particularly affected by anti-migrant politics. "If I could talk to Keir Starmer, I would want him to know that these are the people you're talking about, and this is how you're harming them," she said. Mark Kelvin, CEO of Edinburgh-based LGBT Health and Wellbeing, said the organisation's new Scots service supports more than 560 LGBT+ people who have fled their home countries, adding they want to be part of Scotland's economy and social fabric. READ MORE: The SNP's key messages in the Hamilton by-election Referencing Starmer's "island of strangers" line, he said: "These 'strangers' are people who aspire to be active citizens. "But instead, they are too often met with suspicion, hostility, and policies designed to deter rather than welcome. These divisive narratives don't protect society, they undermine it." Ekta Marwaha, CEO of Refugee Sanctuary Scotland, added: 'Over the last 30 years we have worked with individuals who have been made destitute by the immigration system. "The negative terminology and dehumanising rhetoric needs to stop as these create a divide amongst the communities we live within. It is important that politicians and the policies that are implemented focus upon language which promotes inclusivity and supports integration, rather than advocating racist ideologies.'
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Migrant groups join forces with hundreds to warn against 'politics of division'
In an open letter more than 350 groups - coordinated by Asylum Matters - say they are speaking up for 'meaningful and enduring contributions' of migrants Hundreds of organisations come together today with refugee and migrant groups to stand against the "politics of division". In an open letter more than 350 groups - coordinated by Asylum Matters - say they are speaking up for "meaningful and enduring contributions" of migrants. Some of the groups include the National Education Union, the anti-fascist group HOPE not hate, refugee charity Care4Calais, and LGBT+ charities. Over 600 individuals have also signed the letter, including the former Green Party spokesperson Larry Sanders - the brother of the US Senator Bernie Sanders. The letter says: "The politics of division are placing our communities under attack, including: migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, racialised people, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ people, people living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet and survive, homeless people, those with care & support needs and many more." The organisations also criticised Keir Starmer's recent warning that Britain risks becoming an "island of strangers" during a speech unveiling new measures to curb migration. During the address he said migration was a part of "Britain's national story". He added he "you will never hear me denigrate" the "massive contribution" of migrants. But the PM f aced a fierce backlash over the "islands of strangers" comment with one Labour MP branding the remarks "shameful". In the letter published today, the organisations say: "Together, as representatives of civil society and as individuals and organisations embedded in communities across the country, we stand against the recent rhetoric of the Prime Minister, irresponsible politicians and that of the far-right, that serves only to divide our communities." They added: "We are and will remain an island of solidarity, not strangers." Nick Lowels, CEO of HOPE not hate, said: 'Less than a year on from the riots, it is imperative that politicians are careful that their language does not dehumanise or divide communities. We need to make sure we don't stigmatise already marginalised groups.' A No10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is proud of Britain's diversity, which he celebrated in his speech. Migration is a vital part of our national story, and we reject divisive narratives. Millions, including many Mirror readers, backed Labour at the election to take back control of the borders and end the Tory chaos that let a million people in within a year. 'We're building a country where we move forward together as neighbours, not strangers—because diversity is one of our greatest strengths.'
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Asylum seekers like me are a wasted resource'
At 36 years old, starting a life "from zero" was not the dream Mohsen carved for himself. Fearing for his safety, the carpenter was forced to flee Iran, seeking asylum in the UK. But with strict stipulations on the right to work, starting from scratch is the reality for many asylum seekers in the UK. Mohsen is among those in Leeds calling for an end to what they call an "unfair" work ban. The BBC has been to meet them. "I hate to take benefits but there is a problem in the system", said Mohsen, who travelled to the UK by sea. His journey across the world took more than a year, but he considered it his "only option". "In Iran, you should only keep your family religion; if you consider changing it, the government do not accept it; they keep you in prison and give you a fine," he said. "Until the end of your life they are watching you." Government statistics suggest that in 2024, 108,138 people claimed asylum in the UK, 18% more than in 2023. According to Asylum Matters, a charity working with refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, the vast majority of people seeking asylum are barred from working or live on government support. Permission to work can be applied for after a year of waiting. Immigration explained: Migrants, refugees, and visas defined In the last few months, Mohsen has been granted a work permit, but because of the strict rules, he is unable to apply his experience in the construction trade. Workers must gain a UK-recognised qualification before entering a trade. "For me it is awful, I just take pieces of wood and I smell it because I miss it," Mohsen said. "Desperately, I am looking for a job but they need a certificate, there is no assessment so I must start from zero. "They should consider your experience and assess you and see what level you are." According to the government, allowing asylum seekers the right to work sooner would "undermine the UK's wider economic migration policy by enabling migrants to bypass established work visa rules". Mohsen, however, believes he is a "wasted resource". "They could use people like me in the right way; just imagine if I could run my business here, I could hire people who are desperately looking for a job, but what I have to do is search for any job." Originally from Pakistan, Tabita Tariq could not divulge the circumstances which brought her to the UK in 2014 - only that it involved modern slavery. After seeking help, she was granted asylum but told the BBC being unable to work had affected her mental health. "Work means everything to me; it is like an oxygen, you cannot live without oxygen," she said. "Not working damages you; it has destroyed me." As a nurse, Tabita believes the UK is "missing an opportunity" by not allowing her to work, especially during the pandemic. "I am offering my hand to be a part of the community, but they shackle my hands. "We are calling on the government to lift the ban." Akhona Ndudane arrived in the UK from South Africa in 2004, and said working could have a "huge" impact on asylum seekers. "We have skills coming from our country, being dependent affects our mental health," she said. "You feel lonely. "Give [asylum seekers] a chance; we are here to help develop the UK." Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, said denying asylum seekers the right to work was "not just unfair - it's harmful, both to individuals and to our society as a whole". He said: "People seeking asylum bring incredible skills, experience, and ambition, yet they are forced into hardship by a system that prevents them from contributing. "It is time for change, and the growth that Leeds could achieve if we allowed people seeking asylum to work would be an incredible boost to our economy." A government spokesperson said there were "no plans to change the existing rules on asylum seekers working". They said: "Asylum seekers remain eligible to apply for permission to work if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'The UK is my home now but you never forget you are a refugee' Assad regime collapse 'a dream' - Syrian refugee Sent to Halifax: One town's asylum story Asylum Matters UK Home Office
BBC News
06-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Asylum seekers in Leeds call on government to give them right to work
At 36 years old, starting a life "from zero" was not the dream Mohsen carved for himself. Fearing for his safety, the carpenter was forced to flee Iran, seeking asylum in the with strict stipulations on the right to work, starting from scratch is the reality for many asylum seekers in the is among those in Leeds calling for an end to what they call an "unfair" work ban. The BBC has been to meet them. "I hate to take benefits but there is a problem in the system", said Mohsen, who travelled to the UK by journey across the world took more than a year, but he considered it his "only option"."In Iran, you should only keep your family religion; if you consider changing it, the government do not accept it; they keep you in prison and give you a fine," he said."Until the end of your life they are watching you."Government statistics suggest that in 2024, 108,138 people claimed asylum in the UK, 18% more than in to Asylum Matters, a charity working with refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, the vast majority of people seeking asylum are barred from working or live on government to work can be applied for after a year of waiting. Immigration explained: Migrants, refugees, and visas defined In the last few months, Mohsen has been granted a work permit, but because of the strict rules, he is unable to apply his experience in the construction must gain a UK-recognised qualification before entering a trade."For me it is awful, I just take pieces of wood and I smell it because I miss it," Mohsen said."Desperately, I am looking for a job but they need a certificate, there is no assessment so I must start from zero."They should consider your experience and assess you and see what level you are."According to the government, allowing asylum seekers the right to work sooner would "undermine the UK's wider economic migration policy by enabling migrants to bypass established work visa rules".Mohsen, however, believes he is a "wasted resource"."They could use people like me in the right way; just imagine if I could run my business here, I could hire people who are desperately looking for a job, but what I have to do is search for any job." Originally from Pakistan, Tabita Tariq could not divulge the circumstances which brought her to the UK in 2014 - only that it involved modern seeking help, she was granted asylum but told the BBC being unable to work had affected her mental health."Work means everything to me; it is like an oxygen, you cannot live without oxygen," she said."Not working damages you; it has destroyed me."As a nurse, Tabita believes the UK is "missing an opportunity" by not allowing her to work, especially during the pandemic."I am offering my hand to be a part of the community, but they shackle my hands."We are calling on the government to lift the ban." Akhona Ndudane arrived in the UK from South Africa in 2004, and said working could have a "huge" impact on asylum seekers."We have skills coming from our country, being dependent affects our mental health," she said."You feel lonely."Give [asylum seekers] a chance; we are here to help develop the UK."Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, said denying asylum seekers the right to work was "not just unfair - it's harmful, both to individuals and to our society as a whole".He said: "People seeking asylum bring incredible skills, experience, and ambition, yet they are forced into hardship by a system that prevents them from contributing."It is time for change, and the growth that Leeds could achieve if we allowed people seeking asylum to work would be an incredible boost to our economy."A government spokesperson said there were "no plans to change the existing rules on asylum seekers working".They said: "Asylum seekers remain eligible to apply for permission to work if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
