The Azure card
Life without cash will mean hunger and deprivation for asylum seekers this winter
Heartfelt thanks to all those who have already taken part in this action, especially to those who have told us they have emailed Immigration Minister Damien Green. Your voices make a difference.
Background
Many asylum seekers whose claims have been refused but who are unable to return to their countries are forced to rely on the Azure payment card.
This winter, many of those on the Azure card will be struggling to save enough to buy warm clothes.
We are calling on the UK Government to provide appropriate support to people seeking asylum for the duration of their time in the UK by:
- Abolishing the Azure payment card and amending legislation to allow for the provision of cash support for all refused asylum seekers until they are given status in the UK or returned to their country of origin.
- Granting temporary status in the UK with permission to work, to refused asylum seekers who do not meet the threshold for refugee status but who are unable to leave the country through no fault of their own.
Take action
We are asking you to help us put pressure on Damian Green to replace the payment card with cash support.
Tell the UK government to let asylum seekers live in dignity and replace the payment card with cash support and . Please amend the sample email and send it to Damian Green and copy in ourselves at: info@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
Amend and send the sample email
Right to work
Please also ask your MP to sign the parliamentary declaration to support the campaign to give people seeking asylum permission to work. This is another way to help end destitution amongst those seeking asylum.
New research
In November 2010 we joined with refugee agencies across the UK to release research about the Azure card, Your inflexible friend, the cost of living without cash. The research clearly shows that refused asylum seekers surviving on Section 4 support experience hardship and deprivation as a result of the Azure card.
The Azure card is topped up weekly with just £35 for a single person and can be used in a limited number of supermarkets. It cannot be exchanged for cash which makes travel impossible.
