INVITE TO ADDRESSEE ONLY

Come join Bradford Refugee Forum

as we proudly celebrate the launch of our new

Website with the city’s Lord Mayor

Councillor John D Godward.

at Kala Sangam’s St Peter House on Monday 29/3/10

12:00 Coffee/Tea

12:15 Introduction, Welcome & housekeeping

12:20 The Lord Mayor Councillor John D Godward

12:35 Website key features and design capability

12:45 Vote of thanks

HELD AT 1400 HOURS ON 2 MARCH 2010 AT WAKEFIELD TOWN HALL

1.     The following is a synopsis of key points that emerged from above meeting hosted by Minister Woolas who was     accompanied by senior officials from UKBA.  Attendance was strictly by invitation.

1.1.    The right to work for asylum seekers

Not tenable under current policy and would be unfair to British taxpayers.  Policy also aimed at discouraging human trafficking.  Blanket amnesty for asylum seekers would not be considered.  Communities facing risk of criminal activity from unemployed failed asylum seekers should bring matter to attention of UKBA

1.2.    Destitution Among Asylum Seekers

Failed asylum seekers have no right of abode in UK and should return to their countries of origin.   Financial support is available under the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme    Asylum seekers awaiting decision on their claims for asylum receive support under Section 4.

1.3.    Restrictions on Section 4 Support

Both the new card and the previous voucher systems are compliant with existing asylum and immigration legislation.  Cash payments will not be offered because the law does not allow this.   Names of supermarkets unwilling to redeem new support cards should be brought to attention of UKBA so they can be engaged.

1.4.    Detention of Children

Matter under constant review.  Minister acknowledged current practice is untenable.

1.5.    Reporting by School Children

A common sense approach is normally adopted in regard to school going children of asylum seekers who are required to report at immigration centres as part of their conditions for temporary abode.  UKBA is flexible on the matter and will not intentionally  to disrupt children’s’ education.

1.6.    Immigration Advice Centres

Ministers agreed to look into claims that advice centres offering immigration advice in Yorkshire and the Humber were under-funded and were not enough.  Possible involvement of Citizens Advice Bureaux would also be looked into.  Members of parliament can also offer limited advice

1.7.    Asylum Policy on Zimbabweans

Minister acknowledged policy dilemma but rejected claims this had led to destitution.  Government policy is that asylum seekers are not permitted to work except those whose initial asylum claims are not actioned by Home Office within 12 months.  There is nothing stopping  authorities from returning failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.  Government is concerned with the large number of failed asylum seekers from Zimbabwe at a time when inflows of asylum seekers are otherwise on the decline.  Out of an estimated 100 000 Zimbabweans living in the UK, only 40 000 of them have refugee status

1.8.    Limited Leave to Remain VS Indefinite Leave to Remain

Generally, limited leave to remain is accorded asylum claimants on the understanding they would be returned to their countries of origin if conditions in those countries improved particularly in relation to issues of human rights.

 2.   General

Government is keen to remove race card from immigration agenda..  All immigration issues will be objectively determined.  UKBA has a staff of 23 500 strewn all over the country to expedite resolution of asylum claims based on Case Resolution and New Asylum Model..  It was accepted that UKBA’s adverts do not currently include positive images or success stories of asylum seekers granted leave to remain and have made a difference to communities in which they live.