Challenges imposed on the asylum seekers in the UK

Oct 14, 2024

The UK, with its long and extensive history regarding immigration, is no stranger to the growing refugee crisis that befalls the current international climate. In the last year alone, the UK saw a 247% increase in the number of asylum seeker applications the government approved (Refugee Council, 2024). This may certainly be interpreted as a positive; however, the increase in approved applications has also been accompanied by a rise in various dire and exhaustive challenges for the individuals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.

The very fact that those seeking asylum in this country are made to flee their homelands due to life-threatening situations is enough to traumatise these individuals. Moreover, when they finally reach safety, they are then faced with numerous additional ordeals that do not create environments conducive to their prosperity or the rebuilding of their lives. An example of this is the asylum-seeking process itself. In order to file and have their cases approved, refugees are required to be physically present in the UK for the duration of their claim, and this process can take years. During this time, they are often not legally allowed to work and frequently remain idle, which can contribute to the mental health difficulties they endure.

Not being able to work means that they remain in a prolonged state of uncertainty, unsure about their present lives and living in fear for their future. This prevents refugees from being able to settle and move

forward, often leading to depressive symptoms. Additionally, the meetings and interviews regarding their claims are often conducted in English, a language many asylum seekers are not familiar with, and even with interpreters, this can add to the frustration of not feeling understood in a foreign environment and feeling as if they do not belong. This further diminishes their self-esteem, compounding the mental health challenges that arise from a lack of stability.

Harun* (17), a refugee from Afghanistan who successfully claimed asylum, shared his story in an interview with the ACAA: “When I first came to the UK, I couldn’t sleep for months. I was very scared. I came here alone, leaving my mum behind. I was scared they might send me somewhere else, or even worse, back home.” Harun has now worked hard and done his best to settle and integrate into life in the United Kingdom, hoping to make the most of the opportunities presented to him.

As mentioned, many asylum seekers are at risk of mental health issues, often accompanied by feelings of humiliation, fear, and low self-esteem. However, these issues can remain unnoticed as various refugees—due to the cultural beliefs they were raised with—may feel ashamed to seek help or speak directly to helplines or doctors about their mental state. This often stems from a misconception of mental health and a fear of being seen as weak. In many cultures, mental health is disregarded, and these beliefs do not recognise it as a genuine health issue that requires attention and treatment. Mental health is often viewed as a taboo subject. Many refugees/patients suffering from conditions like depression, OCD, or PTSD may also feel fearful or untrusting of doctors due to the trauma they may harbour.

Another issue that asylum seekers face is finding adequate housing. According to the Refugee Council (2023), 17% of asylum seekers struggle with homelessness. Many others have reported that even if they do find accommodation, it is often in poor condition and involves sharing a small space with several other occupants. This, as you can imagine, exacerbates the mental health issues previously discussed and hinders their personal, social, and economic development in the UK.

To conclude, this article has highlighted some of the challenges faced by asylum seekers. However, it is important to remember that these figures are not just statistics; they represent real, breathing individuals who face these hardships daily. To improve conditions for asylum seekers like Harun, we need to hear more of their stories to humanise the numbers we see in the media. Asylum seekers are people with stories and lessons that we can learn from. We, both at ACAA and in society at large, should look to them to understand strategies we can implement to improve conditions for future refugees and ensure their success in resettling and integrating into life in the UK.

By Nisa Qammer-Un

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