Practical advice to support your work with asylum seekers and 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

Most of us expect to decide for ourselves what kind of life we want to live. But people in some countries face political realities where they can't make any such decisions. In the end they must keep themselves and their loved ones safe and get to a place where there is hope. Some (relatively few) come to the UK. In most parts of urban Britain today, if you work ‘hands on’ in primary, community or local services of any kind, you will find yourself working with asylum seekers and refugees.

To enable social workers to work effectively with asylum seekers and refugees, I’ve broken down the three immediate priorities you may need to consider.

Priority #1 – understanding the essential definitions.

You will hear different words describing people who have come to the UK claiming refuge. People often mix up meanings, but you need to feel confident in your use of essential definitions. The following explanations are pragmatic definitions only. It’s important to remember that you must be licensed to give immigration advice.

If your client needs a solicitor, ask your nearest community law centre, they may be able to help by making a recommendation.

1. Asylum seekers

'Asylum seekers’ say they will be in danger if they are returned. They are still waiting for a final Home Office decision. Non-EU nationals escaping domestic violence within the UK, trafficked or enslaved people also apply to stay via the asylum system.

2. Refused asylum seekers

‘Refused asylum seekers’ have had their request rejected. Perhaps the Home Office sees them as an ‘unreliable witnesses’ or considers there to be no current serious danger to the individual at home.

3. Refugees

‘Refugees’ with ‘Refugee Convention’ status or other ‘Leave to Remain’ are those who asked for asylum and the Home Office has agreed they can stay, at least for now.

Depending upon their definition, the person’s activities and entitlements to access public services may be constrained by their legal immigration status. However, as for anyone in the UK, everyone is protected by the Equality Act 2010 Public Sector Equality Duty and by the Human Rights Act 1998.

In all cases, make sure all your clients register with a GP as soon as possible for a full health check. The GP can ask for proof of address and status but cannot not refuse to register them.

Priority #2 – understanding their experiences.

You need to appreciate how people’s experiences can shape their relationship with you, and therefore how effectively you can assist them. They have left behind families, identities, skills and goods; they have probably lived through prolonged uncertainty,

risk and vulnerability - and probably poor conditions, treatment or abuse. They have lived through the British asylum system. They face regular migration issues too - language, unfamiliar systems and culture, limited contacts.

This means refugees often:

• Mistrust and fear authorities - including you - relying instead on advice from informal contacts

• Lack documentation and fail to manage paperand online systems

• Live in insecure accommodation, relationships and livelihoods, moving often and at risk of isolation and vulnerable to abuse

• Struggle with physical and mental health, perhaps adopting risky coping and livelihood strategies

• Are impoverished and disempowered

• Are susceptible to shocks and crises that can have long term consequences

• Struggle to access the services and support they are entitled to

Priority #3 – making good use of your contacts.

You cannot refer them away. You need to respond directly to most of the challenges they are facing. Your greatest asset is a network of trusted contacts who can offer you expertise and knowledge. You

need diverse contacts so you can knit together a mesh of support to serve refugees’ complex and rapidly changing needs. You will find yourself advocating for them, helping them negotiate access through systems that they will struggle and possibly fail to manage alone.

Don’t forget:

• Refugees are ordinary people. They may have been through extraordinary and traumatic circumstances which might make them a bit extraordinary, but they are not ‘other’ people

• Each refugee is unique: each person’s experiences and responses to their situations are unique

• Refugees are active agents of their own futures. They came here to take back control of their lives, and you are a witness to their efforts. Don’t be surprised if they don't do what you recommend

About the author.

Sarah Crowther works for Refugees in Effective and Active Partnership (REAP) in West London. She has recently written ‘Working with Asylum Seekers and Refugees: What to do, what not to do and how to help’ published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2019). Her specialist field is the interaction of local people with large agencies, social action, equity and equality. She is chair of trustees of the HEAR Network of Equality and Human Rights groups and voluntary organisations in London.