There are over 3,000 destitute asylum seekers in Leeds, with no access to housing and benefits and no rights to work. They are predominantly those who have reached a final negative decision on their claim for asylum and are, “in effect non-citizens required to fend for themselves bringing with it all the associated problems
The situation is becoming increasingly desperate and in one month, PAFRAS saw 8 people who attempted suicide and others who self-harmed. Some have serious medical conditions including terminal illness and without access to healthcare, whilst other clients have included women up to 8 months pregnant rough sleeping. The number street homeless is increasing whilst those more fortunate are the ‘hidden homeless’, often on floors in overcrowded housing.
Many destitute asylum seekers are unable to return to their own countries for fear of persecution, torture or death. It is unsafe for these people to return and there are some countries to which the Government will not send people back. Yet they still refuse these people the right to work, or to provide food, money or shelter. Left in Limbo, they are forced towards homelessness, ill health and starvation.
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Destitution Inquiry
Destitution of asylum seekers in Leeds has recently been highlighted by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Destitution Inquiry, which includes the commissioner’s report, “Moving on: from destitution to contribution” and the research report, “Destitution in Leeds: the experiences of people seeking asylum and supporting agencies” (Lewis, 2007).
The research showed that PAFRAS received 54% of visits by destitute asylum seekers to key agencies in Leeds.
For further destitution information please view the
Reports and Publications
For links to reports and news articles featuring PAFRAS refer to the
Archive
How you can help through
donations