Tackling destitution
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of asylum seekers facing destitution. From new arrivals to failed asylum seekers, thousands each year find themselves cut off from welfare benefits and entirely dependent on our support. In such cases, the Red Cross can provide short-term emergency support and expert advice on accessing whatever limited resources are available to them.
We have also produced an advocacy report which highlights the dire hardships facing destitute asylum seekers – and the urgent need for a more humane asylum system. The report – titled Not gone, but forgotten (1.5MB pdf) – explores the Red Cross’ work supporting thousands of destitute asylum seekers and refugees throughout the UK, and the daily challenges they face just to survive.
Four key changes
In the destitution report, the Red Cross suggests four key policy changes to the asylum system that would improve the humanitarian situation of this vulnerable group:
- The adoption of the principle that destitution should not be an outcome of the asylum system.
- The provision of support for all destitute refused asylum seekers with dependent children.
- An end-to-end asylum support structure, including permission to work, until the applicant is either removed or granted leave to remain.
- An entitlement to healthcare throughout the asylum process.
More about our advocacy work
Our call to action