Asylum seekers

Spelthorne Borough Council aims to promote better public understanding of asylum seekers. Here we have some key questions and answers for people to understand why asylum seekers are placed in the Borough and what their impact is.

What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?

'Asylum seeker' means a person who has applied for asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention on the Status of Refugees on the grounds that they have a well-founded fear of persecution should they return to their home country.

'Refugee' means an asylum seeker whose claim has been successful.

Who are the asylum seekers, and where are they?

The UK offered protection, in the form of asylum, humanitarian protection, alternative forms of leave and resettlement, to 14,734 people (including dependants) in 2021. 

Additionally, 6,134 partners and children of refugees living in the UK were granted entry to the UK through family reunion visas, 28% more than the previous year.

Provisional data show more than 7,000 people have been relocated under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) since it launched in April 2021. In addition to ARAP, there has also been a substantial number of arrivals nationally (circa 20,000) through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).

The latest Asylum statistics report can be read at https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn01403/

Most asylum seekers are unable to pay for their own housing. They are also unable to claim benefits and they are not allowed to work. Asylum seekers can claim financial support and accommodation under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 if they are destitute or likely to become destitute.

Where have the asylum seekers come from?

Asylum seekers come from all around the world and are often from countries affected most severely by war and political instability. The most common countries of origin were Iran, followed by Albania, Eritrea, Sudan, and Iraq.

Will the people being accommodated be single persons or families?

The council does not have this information, it is held by the Home Office. Who stays at the hotel is based on need and pressures within the asylum system.

Why are most asylum seekers male?

They are not.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, women and girls make up about half of any asylum seeking, refugee or internally displaced population. However, women and children may be left in refugee camps in neighbouring countries while the mean leave the camp to take the risky and often deadly trip to another country. It is common for single males, where they have left their dependent family in the country of origin for them to apply for family reunion if they are granted refugee status.

What are local authorities doing to support asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees?

Local authorities support asylum seekers directly or indirectly in a range of ways, from carrying out property inspections to providing adult social care (the responsibility of Surrey County Council). However, the most substantial area of support often arises when asylum seekers are asked to move on from Home Office provided dispersed accommodation which could be anywhere in the country.

Has Spelthorne been specifically selected to host asylum seekers?

Where asylum seekers are allocated is a decision taken by central government. Spelthorne Borough Council has no control over that policy. Spelthorne, like all areas of the country, should play a fair and balanced role in resettling asylum seekers/refugees within the community and in liaison with other councils in the area.

Spelthorne has a hotel within the borough for asylum seeker during the initial asylum application review stage and a number of dispersed accommodation for families. 

How long will they remain in Spelthorne?

The council has been advised by the Home Office and Clearsprings Ready Homes that people will be moved out as other accommodation in the asylum system is made available to them. This means that the people staying in the hotel will change over time. Confirmed timescales have not yet been provided.

Is the Council concerned by the use of the hotel, what can it do about it?

Spelthorne Borough Council has no control over the use of hotels or numbers. Nor does the Council provide any financial assistance to the housing of asylum seekers. We have had discussions with the Home Office and contractors to address our concerns about the use of hotels to temporarily host asylum seekers and to press for an end date.

Initially, it does not create a homelessness liability for us whilst the guests are in the hotel as we are told their asylum claims are not determined whilst in the hotel.

The Council has raised concerns about impact on community cohesion. Home Office and Clearsprings said they would look to work with the Council and the police on community engagement.

What are our partners roles?

Asylum seekers have the same rights as any UK citizen to access health care and children's education. The NHS and Surrey County Council both hold these statutory duties.

Can asylum seekers claim welfare benefits?

Asylum seeker are not able to claim welfare benefits, nor are they allowed to work, however they may be able to get help with accommodation and financial support from the Home Office if they are destitute. Asylum seekers in hotel accommodation where food and some services are provided, currently receive £8 per week.

What positive benefits does this country get from immigration?

Refugees make a huge contribution to the UK once they can access work and contribute through taxes, job creation and supporting the local economy through new businesses. Asylum-seeking children contribute very positively the schools across the country. This in turn enables more successful integration of families into local communities.