“How can we move on?” Growth in calls to increase the Move On period for refugees

Good news isn’t always easy to find in the realm of asylum policy in the UK. So we were glad to hear the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, acknowledge that steps are needed to help refugees smoothly settle into life in the UK. However, this was back in July. We are yet to see any progress and we desperately need action now! 

Heewr talking into a microphone at the Welsh Refugee Council Annual General Meeting.Currently, newly granted refugees have 28 days to leave their asylum accommodation and find housing, employment, and a means to support themselves. For many, the actual time period grows even smaller, as they must wait for proof that they have Leave to Remain to begin the processes of applying for a bank account, job, and accommodation.    

Through our research, we have heard first-hand the struggles and stresses caused by the current 28-day move on period. In a recent piece of research, we found that many refugees wish to find work and settle in their new country as soon as possible. However, the current 28-day move on period does not give people the time to find work and financial stability in a meaningful way:                   

“We all seem to be pushed down the same path. We want to work and pay tax – not take benefits.” 

For all those involved in our research, the risk of homelessness during this tight move on period was incredibly high:      

“When I received my status, I was advised to contact [the local authority] and present at the homeless shelter. No action was taken to support me in a week.” 

When asked about extending the move on period to 56 days, Dame Angela Eagle confirmed that the government is considering the move. Nevertheless, we are still waiting for an official confirmation. Here in Wales, an extension to 56 days would create an equal footing for newly granted refugees with the rest of the population.  

We’re not the only ones to welcome this shift in policy. Voices from the Welsh Government have called for the move on period to be brought in line with the Housing Wales Act 2014, precisely to reduce the risk of homelessness. Such a change wouldn’t be an end to the issues refugees face, but it would ease the process for individuals and local government resources alike. Local government all across the UK are also positive about this move. A recent piece of research by the Local Government Association found that local authorities in England and Wales saw the extension from 28 days to 56 days as the top initiative that: 

  • Could have had the most significant impact on reducing costs and impacts as part of the current asylum backlog clearance programme 
  • They believed should be put in place nationally and locally to build a more effective move on process in the longer term 

We want to ensure that a move on extension is actually done and implemented properly. We await any updates from the UK Government and Home Office. But the wait is having real life consequences for people. Newly granted refugees are being held back from realising their potential by the unjust 28-day move on period. If you want to put pressure on the UK Government and Home Office to reach a decision and make an announcement, please join us by signing this petition.   

All newly granted refugees in Wales can receive guidance and support from our Move On team.

Find out more about how the team can help and how to book an appointment today.