We consider that the Government’s decision in August 2006
to remove automatic indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for those
granted refugee status undermines the Government’s refugee
integration strategy (March 2006). The three themes essential
to the delivery of the strategy of full integration are 1) achieving
potential 2) contributing to the community and 3) accessing
services. It is impossible to achieve this full integration
when the threat of a review of status and possible removal hangs
over an individual and his/her family. This provisional and
temporary acknowledgement of refugee status is likely to affect
choices made, may deter refugees from undertaking long-term
education, training or professional re-qualification and may
affect access to some programmes.
For those refugees who want to access higher education the dilemma
is whether to study with the prospect of settling in the UK
or to study in order to be ready to be sent back home. Each
option requires completely different set of strategies. Taking
away automatic ILR is also likely to lead to misinterpretations
from higher education admissions tutors and staff, student support
fund administrators and trusts that handle funding resulting
in incorrect decisions being made. This will further delay or
prevent access. The message to those who have been granted full
refugee status under the UN Convention is a confusing one, ‘make
yourself at home but keep your bag packed’.
18th May 2006
|
Statement
from HERAN
