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Statement re the new five-year rule on permission to remain for those with refugee status

On Tuesday July 19 the Home Office announced that, as of 30 August 2005, people granted refugee status will no longer be able to stay in the UK indefinitely and instead will be granted leave to remain for five years. At the end of this period their status will be re-assessed, based on a review of conditions in their country of origin.

Refugee Action is concerned that this measure will bring further uncertainty into the lives of people who have already been uprooted through no fault of their own.

Sandy Buchan, chief executive of Refugee Action said: “This measure will apply to people who have proved to the Home Office that they were persecuted. They have sometimes waited years for the Home Office to decision. It seems grossly unfair to leave them and their children in a further limbo of uncertainty.”

This policy runs contrary to the Government’s stated commitment - as outlined in the document Integration Matters in March 2005 - to assist refugees to participate fully in UK society.

Sandy Buchan added: “What refugees want most is to feel safe and to be able to build new lives with confidence. This sends a mixed message to refugees and their children, who are expected to integrate into society and yet cannot look forward to a stable and sustainable future.”

“This measure could add to the barriers refugees and their children already face in gaining meaningful employment, planning their careers and accessing educational and training opportunities.”

Refugee Action welcomes the Government’s commitment to consult the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) before declaring a country to be safe. To ensure that refugees are not returned prematurely, it is vital that the Home Office heeds carefully any advice given by human rights monitoring organisations.

Sandy Buchan added: “The fact is that many refugees hope to return to their countries of origin one day. Instead of coercing them to do so, the Government should concentrate on building confidence and trust in impartial voluntary return schemes, such as Refugee Action’s Choices project.”

ENDS

July 2005

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