The effect of the cost of living crisis on migrants and asylum seekers

On National Food Bank Day, we reflect on the effect of the cost of living crisis on migrants and asylum seekers, as many more people are relying on food banks due to the increased cost of food, as well as other essential items. 

While most of us are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, the most vulnerable people in society, such as migrants and asylum seekers, are suffering the most, due to no recourse to public funds, very little amount of support from the government, and in some cases, the inability to work. 

Inflation, wage stagnation and real-term cuts to benefits are having a detrimental effect on those with very little. 

Many of those that work and pay taxes are denied access to welfare due to their, or their parent's immigration status. People who were born in the UK are routinely denied access to financial support such as Universal Credit, Child Benefits and Housing Benefits, even if they are living in poverty, all because of their immigration status. 

This policy is known as “no recourse to public funds”. It often forces families into destitution and even homelessness, which is much more likely now that everything is increasing in price. 

The Nationality and Borders Act is also going to increase cuts to the welfare system for refugees. 

In response to the cost of living crisis, the government raised asylum support from £39.63 to £40.85 a week, which is only £1.22 extra. This is not enough to keep up with the rate of inflation, especially if this is for a family. 

The Home Office does not consider travel and communication to be essential and therefore does not increase the amount of asylum support to accommodate for these expenditures. The Home Office states that asylum seekers are not required to have a “socially acceptable standard of living but rather just meet their essential needs”. 

It is unfair and inconsiderate to offer asylum seekers the bare minimum, and nothing more. Communication is needed for phone credits, or Wi-Fi, to access advice from solicitors, receive information about jobs, sign up for benefits, and much more. Travel is also necessary to ensure people are not isolated at home and can get to work, the shop, or school. Socialising in their community is an important aspect of restoration, which can improve mental-wellbeing and combat loneliness. 

This prompts an urgent need to raise what support is available for those that are most vulnerable. 

At Tulia, we provide free legal advice for individuals who are unable to afford legal fees which you can access here: https://calendly.com/tulia-group/tulia