A study conducted by the Refugee Council and Oxfam shows that refugee’s ability to integrate into British society is hindered by the unfairness of not been able to be reunited with their families who remain in country’s where their lives are in danger.
The “Safe but not Settled” report highlights that their unable to properly take part in community life because they are too busy worrying about their family’s safety.
Depression and suicidal thoughts are common among refugees. Many of them are unable to hold a job and create bonds with the locals because of the “unfair” restrictions that cause them to be separated from their families.
Many live in poverty because of the cost of their efforts to try and bring their family members to the UK. For refugees in the UK, as it is also for British families, the safety of their loved ones is paramount.
The results of the study are to be debated by MPs in March and the possibility of a reform of the rules in place could be on the horizon.
“The evidence is clear:”, said Maurice Wren, chief executive of the Refugee Council, “reuniting refugee families gives them the best chance of living a settled and fulfilling lives.
“We urge the government to do better by refugees and amend the unfair, restrictive UK rules that prevent refugee families from being reunited just when they need each other the most”.
“Refugees want to be able to play an active role in their communities and be able to learn English, but all too often they face pointless hurdles because of a system that keeps them separated from their families”, said Sally Cooper, Oxfam’s head of policy, programmes and campaigns.
> Naomi Round
