Seeking Asylum in the UK
Seeking asylum in the UK is a complex and gruelling process, one that touches every aspect of an individual's life. For many, the journey to safety begins with hope - hope of finding refuge from persecution, violence, and oppression. However, upon arrival in the UK, the path to rebuilding normalcy is fraught with new challenges, many of which remain invisible to those on the outside. Fortunately, organisations like AARC are here to offer support and guidance through these trying times.
The Bureaucratic Hurdle and the Burden of Proof
The process of seeking asylum in the UK is filled with uncertainty and stress. People Seeking Asylum must navigate an overwhelming legal system that requires them to fill out complex forms, attend interviews, and - perhaps most distressingly - provide substantial evidence that they would be at serious risk if returned to their home country. Many people seeking asylum have fled dangerous situations under extreme duress, leaving behind their homes, families, and vital documentation. Proving the threat to their lives or safety often involves reliving trauma, which can be emotionally devastating, especially for those who have endured torture or human trafficking.
This intense scrutiny can feel like a second ordeal, and people seeking asylum live in constant fear that they may not be believed, despite the real dangers they face. The burden of proof weighs heavily on them, as even minor inconsistencies in their testimonies can result in their claim being denied, potentially leading to deportation.
At AARC, we understand the emotional toll this process can take. Our volunteers provide practical and emotional support, helping asylum seekers gather documentation, prepare for interviews, and access legal advice. We aim to ensure that they do not face this bureaucratic maze alone and are supported throughout the process.
Living with Stigma
Beyond the bureaucratic challenges, people seeking asylum in the UK face significant social stigma. Negative media portrayals and political rhetoric often depict them as "burdens," fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility and it can be very easy to forget that behind the label is a person, just like you or I. This stigma isolates people seeking asylum, leaving them marginalised and vulnerable to discrimination. Many experience prejudice in their daily lives, making it difficult for them to engage with local communities out of fear of being judged or targeted.
At AARC, we work to break down these barriers. We offer a welcoming space where people seeking asylum can connect with others who share similar experiences and build relationships within the local community. We organise community events and introduce new arrivals to diaspora groups, helping them feel more at home and less isolated in their new surroundings.
The Weight of Guilt and Trauma
For those fleeing life-threatening situations, guilt is a heavy burden. Many people seeking asylum carry the weight of having left loved ones behind in dangerous circumstances, feeling torn between their safety and the uncertain fate of those they left behind. Survivors of war, torture, and human trafficking often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Recovering from these emotional scars while trying to rebuild a life in a foreign country is incredibly difficult.
AARC partners with trauma-informed support organisations to ensure that people seeking asylum have access to much-needed emotional and psychological care. We recognise that trauma recovery is a slow process, and we are committed to helping individuals regain their sense of safety and control over their lives. Whether through group programs, one-on-one support, or referrals to specialised services, we are here to help people seeking asylum to heal from the past and look forward to the future.
The Inability to Work: A Crushing Blow to Dignity
One of the most demoralising aspects of seeking asylum in the UK is the prohibition against working while waiting for an asylum decision. This legal barrier strips asylum seekers of the ability to earn a living, support themselves, or regain a sense of purpose. The lack of employment opportunities forces asylum seekers to rely on minimal state support, which often fails to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
At AARC, we recognise how vital work is to a person’s dignity and sense of self-worth. While people seeking asylum cannot legally work, we offer volunteering opportunities to help them regain a sense of purpose whilst making a valuable contribution to local causes and in doing so gain a sense of citizenship. These opportunities not only provide a chance to develop skills and connect with others but also allow people seeking asylum to contribute to their new communities in meaningful ways. We also offer guidance in converting qualifications and preparing for eventual employment once asylum status is granted.
The Path to Recovery with AARC’s Support
Despite these overwhelming obstacles, people seeking asylum possess remarkable resilience. At AARC, our mission is to nurture that resilience by providing practical support and fostering a sense of belonging. We offer essential resources such as clothing, toiletries, and mobile phones to help individuals reconnect with family. We also assist with registering for NHS care and introduce new arrivals to community networks.
AARC is committed to helping people seeking asylum overcome the stigma, guilt, trauma, and isolation they face. By offering trauma support, building community connections, and creating opportunities for purpose and engagement, we help asylum seekers regain control over their lives. With our support, they can begin to heal, rebuild, and contribute to the local community as they move toward a safer, more hopeful future.
Seeking asylum in the UK is a long and difficult road, but with the help of AARC, people seeking asylum can find the support they need to navigate this journey and ultimately begin a new chapter of their lives with hope and dignity.