Refugees
Practical advice to support your work with asylum seekers and refugees If you’re working with asylum seekers or refugees, then you’ll be aware of the challenges that they present. You may have to deal with language or cultural barriers, or they may be affected by the traumatic experience which led them to seek refuge. Sarah Crowther, author of 'Working with Asylum Seekers and Refugees: What to do, what not to do and how to help' shares some practical advice to help social workers understand the three immediate priorities when working with asylum seekers and refugees. To contact Sarah directly, email sarah@reap.org.uk
Immigration Status, constraints and entitlements.
Detention Asylum seeker Refused asylum seeker
Work
Housing & Money
NHS
Yes
£36/week through ‘National Asylum Support Services’ (NASS).
Yes, free
Yes and deportation
Can’t rent, Usually No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). Might get NASS.
Yes, but may have to pay
No
Earnings, main-stream benefits, social housing, some free study/English
Yes, full use as British
Refugees/Leave to Remain also Apply for British nationality in due course. Close family might join them.
A child, however, is first and foremost a child, protected and supported by British childrens’ law that overrides immigration restrictions. Check whether any children you support (with family or unaccompanied) can register as British citizens, well before they turn 18. Disabled people also are protected and supported via the same health, social care and disability rights legislation as any disabled person in the UK, even if NRPF.
Social Work News - 34
