Asylum Seekers Support 2022-12-19
2022-12-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and British Red Cross have highlighted that 13,000 individuals have been trafficked into modern slavery, posing a risk to those not in regular employment.
The UNHCR and the British Red Cross have highlighted how 13,000 individuals have been trafficked into modern slavery. As a result of this situation, what steps will the Minister take to ensure local authorities have sufficient funds for full support programmes for asylum seekers while they wait? Additionally, are there pilot schemes to allow access to the labour market?
The hon. Lady and I have met to discuss this issue, and I am grateful for her thoughts and the good work done in York. While we do not agree that those awaiting asylum decisions should have access to the labour market due to concerns about it being a pull factor, there are other ways they can contribute positively through volunteering. We want to work with local authorities and stakeholders to explore these options.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided committing to local authority funding for comprehensive support programs or pilot schemes for labour market access.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UNHCR and the British Red Cross have highlighted that 13,000 individuals have been trafficked into modern slavery, posing a risk to those not in regular employment.
Given the concerns raised by the UNHCR and the British Red Cross about trafficking and risks for asylum seekers without employment, what steps will be taken to ensure local authorities have sufficient funds for full support programmes for these individuals while they await decisions on their applications? Additionally, are there plans for pilot schemes allowing access to the labour market?
The hon. Lady and I have met to discuss this issue, and I am grateful for her thoughts and the good work done in York. While we do not agree that those awaiting asylum decisions should have access to the labour market due to concerns about it being a pull factor, there are other ways they can contribute positively through volunteering. We want to work with local authorities and stakeholders to explore these options.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided committing to funding for comprehensive support programs or pilot schemes for labour market access.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
France is recognised as a safe country, and asylum seekers are often trafficked to the UK rather than claiming asylum there.
Given that France is recognised as a safe country for refugees, should not those fleeing persecution claim asylum there instead of paying smugglers to bring them across the channel in small boats?
As ever, my right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Those claiming asylum should do so in the first safe country they pass through, and France is demonstrably a safe country. The system we want to build includes taking claims for hearing in third countries like Rwanda and focusing resources on targeted resettlement schemes.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy