Building a Nation of Sanctuary: one step at a time 

By Sabiha Azad, Coordinator for Sanctuary Coalition Cymru 

Sanctuary in the Senedd 2024 was sponsored by Jenny Rathbone MS at the Pierhead 

Wales has an extraordinary opportunity to establish itself as a true Nation of Sanctuary—a place where refugees and asylum seekers can rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope. It’s a vision we’re championing at Building a Nation of Sanctuary: A Bold Commitment to Anti-Racism and Equality in Wales. Alongside Jane Hutt MS, Welsh Minister for Social Justice, we’re calling for urgent reform to break down systemic barriers. 

Annie from Sanctuary Coalition Cymru speaking at Sanctuary in the Senedd 2024.The message is clear: Wales must act decisively to address the challenges faced by sanctuary seekers. Access to education, employment, housing, and essential services must be ensured. This bold vision places the power in the hands of refugees and asylum seekers themselves through Sanctuary in the Senedd. It’s a vital platform where those with lived experience speak directly to decision-makers about the obstacles they face and, more importantly, the solutions they want to see. 

 “We, as asylum seekers and refugees, understand the pain of being uprooted, but we also know the power of being heard. Sharing our stories isn’t just about seeking understanding—it’s about driving change. In a Nation of Sanctuary, every voice matters, and every step forward is built on the courage of those who dare to dream of fairness, dignity, and hope for all.” 

Here are the barriers and solutions identified from Sanctuary in the Senedd 2024.

 

Education: breaking down barriers

For sanctuary seekers, education is essential for rebuilding their lives, yet systemic barriers such as financial restrictions and legal limitations often stand in their way. 

Key actions:
  1. Extend Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) eligibility to refugees. 
  2. Provide scholarships, childcare, and professional development opportunities. 

 

Employment: dignity and opportunity 

UK policies prevent sanctuary seekers from working while awaiting asylum decisions, often for years, wasting talent and fostering dependency. Wales must lead by providing opportunities that restore dignity and meet workforce needs. 

Key actions:
  1. Lift the employment ban after six months.
  2. Expand the Wales Asylum and Refugee Doctors (WARD) programme to other high-demand sectors, such as nursing and IT. 

 

Safe and inclusive housing

Lived experience panel speaking about housing at Sanctuary in the Senedd 2024. Without stable housing, sanctuary seekers cannot rebuild their lives. Current conditions often leave individuals vulnerable, especially those in marginalised groups. 

 Key actions:
  1. Extend the move-on period from 28 to 56 days to prevent homelessness. 
  2. Establish national standards for safe, inclusive housing. 

 

 Addressing NRPF: ending destitution

The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy excludes sanctuary seekers from essential services, trapping them in poverty and homelessness. 

 Key actions:
  1. Create tailored local support pathways. 
  2. Train local authorities to deliver on their responsibilities under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

Sanctuary in the Senedd is a step on the journey to helping sanctuary seekers live and thrive in Wales. This space is essential for shaping an inclusive Wales, where policies reflect lived experience and foster fairness and opportunity. 

With leadership, collaboration, and the courage to act, Wales can fulfil its promise as a Nation of Sanctuary. Sanctuary in the Senedd shows us that every voice matters and every step forward brings us closer to equality. 

Watch the event here