Refugees and asylum seekers Flashcards
What is the definition of asylum seeker? Refugee? Indefinite leave to remain?
Asylum seeker - A person who has made an application for refugee status
Refugee - A person granted asylum and refugee status. Usually means leave to remain for 5 years then reapply.
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) - when a person is granted full refugee status and Given permanent residence in the UK
4 criteria for unaccompanied asylum-seeking child?
1) Is someone who has crossed an international border in search of safety and refugee status.
2) Is applying for asylum in his/her own right
3) Is under the age of 18, or in the absence of documentary evidence appears to be under that age
4) Is without adult family members or guardians to
turn to in this country.
What benefits do asylum seekers get?
Are entitled to money- currently £35 pounds per week
Are entitled to housing- no choice dispersal
Are entitled to free NHS care
If under 18, have the services of a social services key worker and can go to school
Are NOT allowed to work and are not entitled to any other form of benefit.
Barriers to accessing healthcare for asylum seekers?
Lack of knowledge of where to get help Lack of understanding how NHS works Language / Culture / Communication Frequent dispersal by Home office Not homogenous group
Physical health problems for asylum seekers?
Illness Specific to Country of Origin
Injuries from war and travelling
No previous health surveillance / Immunisations
Malnutrition
Torture and Sexual Abuse
Infectious disease
Untreated chronic disease/ congenital problems
Mental health problems for asylum seekers?
PTSD Depression: Medication/Counselling Sleep Disturbance Psychosis Self Harm Presenting as physical symptoms
Social situation for asylum seekers?
Separation from family Hostility Racism Poverty Poor housing Unemployment Detention
What are some previous experiences that asylum seekers might have?
Torture/witnessing torture of others Rape Forced conscription Disappearance of family Political repression/detention Child soldiers
How to work with survivors/asylum seekers?
Time Good communication - interpreters Trust Empathy Practical support Continuity
