Immigration policy causing destitution and homelessness, study suggests

People coming to live in Scotland are being forced into extreme poverty and homelessness by existing immigration policy, according to researchers.

A survey carried out by Heriot-Watt University of more than 130 people who travelled to the UK to settle, including individuals seeking asylum, found 97% were destitute, with an average weekly income of just £40.

It also found 93% had experienced homelessness, with 53% having slept rough in the last year and 55% being housed in temporary accommodation provided by charities, councils or the Home Office.

The survey included people with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), a condition attached to most temporary migrants’ permission to enter or stay in the UK which restricts their access to benefits.

Researchers have since produced a report calling on governments to make urgent changes to policy to stop what they have termed as “destitution by design”.

Their study, which surveyed people trying to access crisis support from Fair Way Scotland, a partnership of third sector organisations working to help those with NRPF, found that for some people going hungry and living without clothing and basic toiletries was the norm.

Professor Beth Watts-Cobbe, from the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-Sphere) at Heriot-Watt University, said: “The levels of need, deprivation, disadvantage and trauma experienced by those with NRPF or restricted eligibility amounts to a humanitarian crisis among a group often hidden from public view.

“Many of those affected have been in the UK for years, if not decades, contributing to our communities but left without access to basic support.

“This report shows this to be a highly diverse group of people, including those who came to Scotland to seek sanctuary, European nationals who still face challenges as the UK transitions out of Europe and those who arrived to study or with their partner.

“Two thirds of those we spoke to are not allowed to work, blocking their ability to support themselves out of these dire circumstances and stifling their ability to contribute to the society they desperately want to make their home.

“These counterproductive, hostile environment policies affect thousands of people across Scotland, crushing their potential and creating destitution by design.

“The level of need is shocking but the issue is entirely preventable with concerted action.

“It is time to stop passing the buck. Radical and urgent reforms are needed that prioritise people’s ability to access the essentials and live a dignified life.

“The new UK Government must commit to ending the unnecessary hardship that is being caused by current immigration policy and urgently change course.

“We also seek commitment from Westminster to support the Scottish Government and other devolved nations in their efforts to ensure that everyone has access to basic essentials, whatever an individual’s immigration status.”

Deborah Hay, senior policy advisor for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “Scaling up Fair Way Scotland is now critical given the growing demand for help, but mitigation programmes like this shouldn’t be necessary.

“The integrated offer of casework support, legal advice, accommodation and cash support provided by Fair Way Scotland partners is transformative, even lifesaving, for those who are able to benefit from it. However, demand far outstrips availability.

“Scaling up this response to meet the level of need requires increased buy-in and investment from a range of social partners.

“The Scottish Government, independent funders, local authorities and housing associations must work together to reduce the harm caused by current immigration policy, by using every tool at their disposal.

“Public services and charities, stepping in to address appalling state neglect, are also bearing the preventable and costly brunt of those policies, and must be fully supported.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The new Government is committed to ensuring strong and important safeguards are in place for individuals who find themselves in the most challenging circumstances.

“This includes the ability to apply for the NRPF condition to be lifted.

“The NRPF restriction is designed to ensure managed immigration benefits the UK and taxpayer funds are protected.”