Campaigners say disabled people and carers in the asylum system are being denied safety, dignity and compassion because they can’t get the health care they need.
New research by the Poverty Alliance uncovered examples of people being placed in unsafe housing, facing delays and confusion in getting health and social care, and getting little or no formal support - despite many having serious health and care needs.
One woman was sent to Scotland after being forced to leave her family and seek protection alone in the UK. In her home country she had been treated for ovarian cancer, but when she arrived in Scotland, she faced real difficulties getting in touch with her GP.
She said: “I had no internet in the accommodation where I was placed, and there was no mobile phone reception. I understand it’s hard for many people to get a GP appointment, but for me it was nearly impossible. I remember one time standing in the rain in the local park, calling and calling, and when I eventually got through all the appointments were gone.”
Because of her cancer recovery, she always tried to be careful about what she ate, to keep her body healthy. She said that was hard to do in Scotland where she had just over £49 a week from the UK Government to survive.
She said: “I needed to buy phone and data credit out of that money. I had to be connected to my husband and son, and to be able to access the online services that you need to live in Scotland. But it made it very difficult to afford good, nutritious food – and I believe that is one of the reasons I later fell ill again.”
After being recognised as a refugee by the Home Office, she had to move to different accommodation and to a different GP. It was only then that she was referred to hospital for investigation of pain she was feeling. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and Multiple Sclerosis.
Other examples in the research included:
• Disabled people placed in inaccessible accommodation, including upper floor rooms with no lifts.
• Delays and gaps in healthcare, with some people reporting being disbelieved or left without treatment.
• Carers receiving no respite or support, despite providing intensive 24/7 care to others in their households.
• Little or no accessible information, leaving people unsure of their rights or where to turn for help.
• Loss of essential care when moving from asylum seeker to refugee status.
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Everyone in Scotland deserves dignity, safety and compassion. People on low incomes often feel cut off from the health and social care support they need – and this research shows the problem can be even greater for people in the asylum system.
“It is wrong that disabled people and carers can be left without the most basic support they need to live their lives.”
The report - From rights to realisation: Disabled people and carers navigating the asylum system - says the UK and Scottish Governments can help people by:
• Ending the use of unsuitable and inaccessible accommodation.
• Guarantee continuity of care when people are moved from their accommodation, or when their immigration status changes.
• Create a dedicated advocacy service for disabled asylum seekers, refugees and carers.
• Improve training for frontline staff on trauma, disability and cultural awareness.
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