Refugees and asylum seekers are often disregarded from or demonised in conversations relevant to the ongoing crisis – but they now tackle worsened situations and wellbeing because of it. With words from Emily Crowley (Chief Executive of STAR), and Gareth Lynn Montes (Housing Policy and Research Lead at Welsh Refugee Council), we want to talk about how the cost of living is causing further struggles for them.
Navigating through the Cost of Living as an Asylum Seeker or Refugee
Everyday item prices including those of food, fuel, rent, public transport and energy have risen with serious effects. With low fixed incomes and impacted rights to work, the cost of living crisis has worsened the circumstances each of refugees and asylum seekers. Rising costs have worsened financial stress in times where these people are already struggling with several traumas associated with displacement. Additionally, there are several barriers they face whilst trying to navigate themselves through the crisis.
Stirling STAR knows that asylum seekers often have their own set of skills and are highly motivated individuals. However, they are not allowed to work until their claim has been outstanding for 12 months ‘through no fault of their own’. The list of available jobs is limited to those on the shortage occupation list. Speaking on this list, Gareth Lynn Motes from WRC says:
“[It is] a very reduced list of available jobs. You can either be [something] like a grand concert pianist. Who has the skills for that? Or you can be a nuclear technician… you’re not going to get through the security checks if you’re an asylum seeker… Either get rid of the list or expand it to be more reasonable.”
With no option to work, asylum seeker monetary support is low. The amounts given by the Home Office have been brought up several times by those concerned. Emily Crowley, Chief Executive of STAR, gave her thoughts:
“The biggest impact is on people seeking asylum who generally are not permitted to work and have to rely on the asylum support system for housing, and living costs. The amount of money given to people seeking asylum has never been sufficient and people are forced to live well below the poverty line.
Generally, it has not risen in line with inflation like other benefits have and the disparity between living costs and asylum support rates becomes even more extreme in the current climate.
The impacts of living in extreme poverty are what you would expect, for example people are unable to buy suitable clothing, sufficient food, pursue their education, cover travel costs or keep in touch with family and friends back home. Obviously, it also has a very detrimental impact on health and wellbeing.”
Regarding those who are refused asylum and are here in the country, most likely waiting to appeal, Gareth also added:
“[These are] people with no recourse to public funds. Today they face all barriers to access employment. They’re not living on 45 pounds a week, and they can’t access benefits. So, for them it’s the biggest problem especially given that they often rely on charity and – given that there’s a cost alone crisis and money doesn’t go as far anymore – that charity is less forthcoming. It’s fundamentally affecting them.”
Whilst refugees can claim benefits, it is a tiny portion in relation to the crisis, and difficult for them to understand their rights to benefits or how to apply for them. Refugees also find it difficult to enter the job market due to gaps in employment; fleeing countries before completing education and finding it difficult to continue here; and the UK sometimes unwilling to recognise their qualifications even when skilled. In Gareth’s words:
“Refugees, although they do have the right to work face more hurdles when it comes to access and employment. There’s research that shows that there is high underemployment among refugees and more importantly underemployment based on their qualifications and expertise.”
With these barriers, there’s no chance to make a living to help pay for rent, food, and other associated essential costs. Refugees and asylum seekers are also missing out on chances to make friends and be part of their community. All these factors are vital during the cost of living crisis.
There is an attempt by governments to lessen some burdens of essential costs. For example, the Welsh Governement’s ‘Welcome Ticket’ provides unlimited free travel to refugees. Scotland has also pledged £2m for a similar system. This will lessen pressures of choosing between eating or essential travelling for asylum seekers. However, many impacts of the crisis that have worsened situations of these groups still need addressing within potential and existing plans put in place.
Housing Worries for Refugees and Asylum Seeker During the Crisis
Coming into the Winter months, there are worries a huge number of refugees will end up homeless this Winter (1, 2, 3) after their 28-day move on period – sometimes just seven – before asylum support is cut off. On this, Gareth said:
“28 days is not morally enough. You can’t do anything in 28 days let alone when it’s been with the notice of just giving 7 days. But also, it’s just not in line with other legislation [Housing Act 2014].
The situation in Glasgow is particularly bad… [it is] the single local authority with the highest number of asylum seekers… Birmingham is also really bad, especially giving that the Council is in special measures at the moment as it went bankrupt… Manchester is also quite bad. Cardiff is also at very high risk.
There is a lot of pressure to move into any kind of housing… the price of which is going up the roof. The cost of living crisis is having an impact here because, as I said, in 28 days: they’re not going to have time to find employment. They’re also not going to have time to get their benefits set up. They’re not going to have any money so they’re not going to be able to access any accommodation and they’re going to end up homeless.”
“Expand the 28 day move on period to at least 56 days. 28 days is definitely not enough. You are setting people up to fail… It’s passing on the buck from people living in the asylum system to having to go into homelessness services for local authorities, which are completely overburdened.”
Fleeing from dangerous circumstances, many do not have money saved for deposits, or can provide references for accommodation. Evidently, going from displacement to homelessness will only worsen their livelihoods with no ability to safely navigate the crisis.
Asylum seekers do not pay rent for provided accommodation when awaiting refugee status. However, there is a misconception that will ease cost of living impacts greatly. British Red Cross outline stressful circumstances within the asylum housing process such as substandard living areas contributing to worsening mental and physical health. Asylum seekers have no choice where they are housed, often without security of tenure. Alongside only £1.37-£6.77 a day, housing circumstances for asylum seekers during the crisis have been difficult. Emily noted:
“The cost of living crisis came close on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the government, through contracts with private providers, starting to house more people in accommodation centres and hotels rather than in the community. We strongly believe that the best place for displaced people is in the community.
I feel the cost of living crisis has given the government an excuse to push forward with plans for more accommodation centres which they say will be cheaper than hotels but is really a policy to isolate and defacto “detain” people seeking asylum although, for example, the cost of the Bibby Stockholm barge per person is more expensive than hotels.”
How to Help
It is understandable to not know what to do for others in these types of situations. Especially when we are all going through this crisis. However, here are some ways you can help:
- Support organisations who work with refugees and asylum seekers: Donate or volunteer: gaining experience within different areas like education, digital skills, operations, and mentoring. Organisations provide support including legal aid, Resources, and community integration and development. Some include Scottish Refugee Council; Welsh Refugee Council; Forth Valley Welcome; and Refugee Action.
- Support campaigns to better refugees and asylum seekers’ lives: Support campaigns towards ensuring refugees and asylum seekers live without poverty or destitution.
“Definitely lift the ban to allow asylum seekers to work… It helps them to integrate. It helps them to be financially secure.”
– Gareth Lynn Motes on the #LiftTheBan campaign
- Support those providing essential services: Donate to foodbanks or clothing banks to help people struggling to meet their basic needs.
- Write to your local MP: Urge your local MP to support refugees and asylum seekers within the community and represent your concerns in Parliament.
- Join a STAR society: There are many STAR societies around the UK supporting refugees and asylum seekers in different areas.
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