Scottish Refugee Council is an independent charity dedicated to providing advice, information and assistance to asylum seekers and refugees living in Scotland. We also provide specialist services in areas such as housing and welfare, family reunion, women's issues, community development, the media and the arts.
We play a leading role in policy development and campaign on refugee issues to ensure that Scotland plays a full role in meeting the UK's legal and humanitarian obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees. To read more about our work click here.
Home is where the heart is
More than half of asylum seekers requesting our help are destitute
New statistics published today by Scottish Refugee Council reveal that levels of destitution among our client group are still shockingly high. Fifty-two per cent of asylum seekers and refugees surveyed using refugee advice services in Scotland had no access to any benefits or support. Many ended up on the streets, or were temporarily staying with friends or acquaintances.
To read the full press release click here.
New Motion in the Scottish Parliament to support destitute asylum seekers
Scottish Refugee Council has long campaigned for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers which we see as unnecessary as it is inhumane.
Lothians MSP Shirley-Anne Sommerville has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament “calling for the UK Border Agency’s current limited screening facilities [in Scotland] to be expanded to enable all new arrivals in Scotland to be able to submit their asylum claim both at port and in country”. To see the full text of the motion please click here.
Right now most people in Scotland who want to seek protection from persecution in the UK have to travel to Liverpool but without the right to work are forced to rely on charitable grants to afford the trip which is unacceptable.
What can I do?
You can contact your MSP (to find out who your MSP is click here) and ask them to sign motion S3M-3866 if they haven’t already.
Scottish Refugee Council supports Wesminster motion calling for an end to vouchers
Scottish Refugee Council has long opposed the system of giving supermarket vouchers to refused asylum seekers and welcomes the EDM tabled in the House of Commons by Neil Gerrard MP calling "on the Government to abandon the inhumane voucher system...and to allow people on section 4 support to receive support in cash".
Has you MP signed up to support this motion? You can check by clicking here
Joint briefing on the Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill
Click here to read a joint briefing from Scottish Refugee Council and the Refugee Council on the Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill, which is currently moving through Westminster.
Scottish Refugee Council Annual Review 2008
Our Annual Review 2008 is now available. For your copy please click on the image to the right.
We are keen to get your feedback on our Annual Review. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think. Click here to fill out our short survey.
Scottish Refugee Council launches new programme for Refugee Integration & Employment.
Scottish Refugee Council has been awarded a three year contract for a new programme to help refugees in Scotland gain employment and integrate successfully into the community.
The programme, funded by UKBA, is available to those who have been recognised as refugees. It focuses on helping them find employment and offers practical advice on English classes, and issues such as housing and education.
Scottish Refugee Council is delivering this contract with its partners A4e and the Volunteer Centre, Glasgow.
