Organisations which support people seeking asylum know that it is very difficult for someone claiming asylum to work their way through the policies and procedures of the asylum system.  It is also very difficult for people claiming asylum to have legal representation which helps them to prove their story.  For example, how do you prove that rape has been used as a form of torture or that you will be killed if you are returned home? 

Researchers studying destitution have noted some of the fears of people refused asylum:

"The vast majority of those interviewed were convinced that returning to their country of origin was not an option.  Nearly all believed that their personal safety would be at risk.

"When asked directly what would happen if they did return, almost half said they believed they would be killed or would “disappear”. Others feared they would be imprisoned or that they would be otherwise in danger. 

"Many hoped to return to their countries once it was safe to do so. In the meantime, most were resigned to staying in the UK even if they had no status or means of supporting themselves."   ‘The Destitution Trap’ – Refugee Action

Life is very tough for destitute people.  Take the story of Marie (not her real name) an African asylum seeker, destitute since 2004 and supported by West End Refugee Service (WERS) in Newcastle.

Marie

Marie was arrested and imprisoned in her home country for her political activity.  She was raped by soldiers and tried to commit suicide.  She managed to escape from a hospital and came to the UK to seek asylum.

The Home Office did not believe her story and refused her asylum claim in 2004.  Since then, she has suffered long bouts of depression and has received counselling at WERS.  She often has trouble eating.

Marie was arrested and taken into detention in 2004, where she was held for 7 months before being released.  WERS supported Marie from the hardship fund before and since her detention. It is not known how long the current situation will last.

Visit Asylum Seekers Unit - True Stories to read about the experiences of other people seeking asylum.

A short animation by the Refugee Council also illustrates some of the difficulties and hardships failed asylum seekers face every day - click here to watch the animation.