ASYLUM seekers deserve increased support payments or the ability to work in response to the cost-of-living crisis, migrants’ rights activists have said.
The Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) has demanded payments given to asylum seekers are boosted urgently and warned that previous increases were inadequate.
The Home Office is currently reviewing the payments made to asylum seekers through a consultation and last year increased funds by 3.1%.
The SRC said the previous review relied on “ethically moribund and tired methodology” which failed to give asylum seekers – who are not able to take employment – enough money on which to live.
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They have said that asylum seekers living in catered accommodation, such as hotels or army barracks, should be given £44.08 per week and that those in other accommodation who must buy their own food should get £84.12 per week.
Currently, those living in hotels or barracks get £8.24 per week, according to the SRC, which works out as just £1.17 a day.
The group said those having their asylum claims processed must have enough money to cover their essential needs, such as food and toiletries, as well as money to cover the costs of “social integration”.
This covers the costs associated with sending children to clubs as well as transport.
People who are supported by the SRC have reported struggling to afford transport costs to attend health appointments or meetings critical for securing asylum, the group has said.
Sabir Zazai, chief executive of the SRC, said: The current support rates are frankly insulting given the cost-of-living crisis we're all experiencing. For those in the deepest poverty this is a serious social emergency.
“I know from my own experience and from what our clients tell us that people going through the asylum system want to live in safety and dignity, like any of us.
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“The people we work with are reporting really serious levels of poverty. People are struggling to pay for a bus to attend a crucial Home Office or health appointment, to take their children to clubs to make new friends and simply to put food on the table. Parents are missing meals so their kids can eat. We can’t accept this.
“These low levels of support mean it is extremely difficult for people to participate in society and to get to know their new communities. This increases social isolation and can have a huge impact on people’s mental health.
“The Home Office needs to radically uplift the rate of asylum support to a level that makes dignified living possible, and in keeping with the true rise in costs across the UK.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are provided with support whilst we consider their claim for international protection.
“This includes free, furnished accommodation and utilities as well as a weekly allowance for food, clothing, transport and sundries.
"Financial support can vary depending upon the type of accommodation provided and whether it is fully catered or self-catered. We review the rates on an annual basis and we have commenced this year’s annual review.”
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