Reality: People seeking asylum are nearly always eager to work and to contribute to society. Many come with valuable skills, qualifications, and a strong work ethic. However, in the UK, they are generally not allowed to work while their claims are being processed. This can take months or even years. Instead of being a choice, the inability to work is a legal restriction. Many of those seeking asylum are frustrated by this limitation as they want to support themselves, integrate into their new communities, and contribute to the economy. This restriction can also contribute to poor mental health. At AARC, we work to provide volunteering opportunities to help give those we support a sense of purpose and citizenship.

Reality: Seeking asylum is a legal right under international law. Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled persecution, conflict, or violence and are seeking protection in another country. Their status is legal while their asylum claim is being processed. International agreements, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention, protect the right to seek asylum, and state that no one should be penalised for entering a country to claim asylum.

Labelling those seeking asylum as "illegal" is incorrect and misrepresents their legal right to seek safety.

Reality: People seeking asylum receive very limited financial support from the government. They are provided with a small weekly allowance to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and toiletries. This allowance is typically £8.86/week, much lower than standard welfare benefits.

There is no access to mainstream benefits like housing or unemployment benefits and they are often placed in basic accommodation or temporary accommodation like hotels (which lack many of the facilities that we have in our homes) with little choice over where they live. Far from receiving "large amounts," asylum seekers live on very modest means while their claims are being processed.

Reality: People seeking asylum are generally not allowed to work while their claim is being processed. In fact, many asylum seekers want to work and contribute to the local economy but are restricted by government policies.

Reality: Once refugees are granted asylum and are allowed to work, they pay taxes just like everyone else. Many contribute significantly to the economy through employment and spending.

Reality: Refugees and people seeking asylum are often young, skilled, and eager to contribute to society. Many end up working in essential industries like healthcare, education, and construction, contributing more than they receive in public benefits.

Reality: Asylum seekers flee persecution, conflict, and danger in their home countries. They seek refuge due to threats to their life or freedom, not for economic reasons.

Reality: The UK accepts far fewer people seeking asylum compared to many other countries, both in Europe and globally. Countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan host millions of refugees.

In 2022, Germany received the highest number of asylum applications in Europe, with 244,000 applicants, followed by France (156,000) and Spain (138,000). By comparison, the UK received 74,751 asylum applications.

Smaller countries take in far more refugees relative to their population. For instance, Turkey hosts around 3.5 million refugees, primarily from Syria, making it the country with the largest refugee population in the world. Lebanon hosts about 1.5 million refugees, which is a significant portion of its total population .

Reality: There is no credible evidence that people seeking asylum commit more crimes than the general population.

Studies in Europe, including the UK, consistently show that people seeking asylum are not more likely to engage in criminal activity than native citizens. The UK government does not link asylum seekers to higher crime rates in official statistics .

Fact: People seeking asylum often face difficult conditions that discourage criminal behaviour. People seeking asylum in the UK are typically housed in monitored accommodations and required to report regularly to immigration offices. They are often limited in their access to employment and live on minimal state support, which keeps them under scrutiny .

Fact: Crime rates do not increase in areas with higher numbers of refugees. A study by the Refugee Council and other European bodies found that crime rates did not rise in areas with large numbers of people seeking asylum and refugees, debunking the misconception that people seeking asylum contribute to higher levels of crime .

Fact: Many people seeking asylum are fleeing violence and crime in their home countries. The very reason people seeking asylum leave their countries is to escape persecution, violence, and criminal activity. They are victims of such violence and are seeking safety and protection, not involvement in criminal activity .

Reality: People seeking asylum are regularly monitored by authorities and must report to immigration offices frequently while their claim is processed.

Reality: Many people seeking asylum are keen to integrate, learning the language, finding work, and participating in their communities. They often face barriers, such as limited access to services and discrimination, but most want to contribute positively to society.

Reality: People seeking asylum are often housed in temporary accommodation, such as hotels or hostels, and are not given priority for social housing. In fact, many face lengthy waits in unsuitable accommodation.

Fact: People seeking asylum are housed in temporary accommodation, often in substandard conditions. In the UK, people seeking asylum are not entitled to social housing. Instead, they are often housed in temporary accommodations such as hotels, hostels, or shared housing under the government's asylum support system. These accommodations are typically basic, overcrowded, and may be far from community services or support networks .

Fact: People seeking asylum are not prioritised for council housing. People seeking asylum cannot apply for council housing while their application is being processed. Only once they are granted refugee status are they eligible to apply for social housing, and even then, they must join the regular waiting list. Refugees are not given priority over local residents.

Fact: Asylum accommodation is often criticised for being inadequate. Reports from refugee organisations have highlighted issues like poor living conditions, isolation from essential services, and overcrowded facilities. A Refugee Council report in 2021 noted that many people seeking asylum live in conditions that are far below acceptable standards .

Refugees and people seeking asylum come from rich and varied backgrounds, each with their own unique story and reason for seeking safety. It’s impossible to generalise their experiences into one group. At AARC, we’re committed to reminding people that behind every sensationalised headline is a real person with hopes, dreams, and fears - many of whom have fled war, persecution, and endured unimaginable trauma. Each individual deserves compassion, understanding, and the chance to rebuild their lives.