A survey, commissioned by the Guardian and published by the Refugee Council , shows high levels of homelessness and destitution among refugees shortly after they have been granted their refugee status.
One refugee summed up their experience by saying that “the government grants refugee status without granting refuge”.
The Refugee Council conducted a survey of 54 refugees who had been granted status since 2016, and found that:
- Of the 54 respondents to the survey more than half, 31, slept rough or in a hostel or night shelter in the period after they were granted refugee status.
- None of the people who were living in asylum support accommodation had managed to find secure accommodation by the time they were evicted at the end of the move on period.
- Most of these newly recognised refugees were forced to rely on charities, friends and family, and foodbanks once their asylum support payments were terminated as Home Office support dropped away and employment had not been secured.
- 30 people reported feeling uncomfortable about relying on others for food, money or accommodation, and 12 said they felt unsafe.
- Many respondents reported negative feelings after being granted refugee status, and one reported multiple suicide attempts.
- Participants reported high levels of loneliness and isolation.
The research was published in September 2017.
Read Refugees without refuge here.