29/09/2021
Afghan refugees: Separating the facts from fiction
More than 15,000 Afghan refugees have now safely arrived in the UK, and by working closely with local authorities in the East, we’ve offered more than 60 homes to support those who have been affected by the conflict.
There are many misconceptions surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, many of which are negative, and with so many voices and opinions on the topic, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. We’ve taken the opportunity to explore and correct the most common myths surrounding the Afghan crisis.
#1 Refugees are the same as asylum seekers
Legally no. By UK law a ‘refugee’ is someone who has been granted legal protection by the British state after leaving their home through fear of persecution. On the other hand, an asylum seeker is someone who has applied for protection but is still waiting for an answer.
#2 Refugees mean higher council tax
This is not true. Refugees are looked after by central government, not local councils. No money from Council Tax is spent on housing refugees and there is no evidence that areas with higher refugee populations have high council tax rates.
#3 They are taking our homes
This is false. Refugees are not put on housing waiting lists, they’re housed under a separate system and have no choice in where they live. The Home Office allocate refugees to accommodation which will usually be a specialist hostel or a hard-to-let empty property.
#4 They are here illegally
We all have the right to seek asylum, so this is not true. International law states that anyone has the right to apply for asylum in another country and remain there until the authorities have assessed their claim and they become a refugee. There is no such thing as an ‘illegal’ asylum seeker and the person seeking asylum must prove and evidence “a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.”
#5 They don’t want to work and don’t contribute to our economy
The fact is that the law won’t let them. Despite being highly skilled and keen to use these skills, the law prevents them from working until their asylum claim has been decided, which can take many months. After this, many refugees contribute strongly to the economic success of the country.
#6 They are taking our jobs
This is not true. Refugees fill vacancies where there are skills shortages. Under the new ‘points based’ system, migrants from outside the EU are only permitted to take jobs where there are recognised skill shortages and where they can prove before they enter the UK that they have qualifications, skills and abilities, and are sponsored by an employer.
#8 They are draining our public services
No, quite the opposite really. Refugees are more likely to be young, healthy and well qualified, and they make a net contribution to the UK economy of £3 billion. Far from acting as a drain on public services, they help to deliver vital services in areas such as social care, education, construction, and particularly in the health service.
We must all work together to support refugees, provide then with suitable homes and ensure they have everything they need to resettle and build a new life in the communities that we work in.
For more information about the refugee crisis please visit: the Refugee Council.