The Effect of Ayslum Policy on Social Exclusion in the UK

The Effect of Ayslum Policy on Social Exclusion in the UK

This essay will discuss what asylum policy is, and how it has

increased levels of social exclusion in the UK, where I will use

specific examples from health and housing. Though, first, one must

understand the term asylum seekers which applies to someone who has

applied for asylum in this country, their application has been

accepted as worthy of consideration and is being processed. In

comparison, a refugee is someone who has been granted asylum or

‘exceptional leave to remain’ here. It is important to distinguish

between two because refugees have more rights than asylum seekers. For

example, a refugee can engage in paid employment.

Again, one must clarify what ‘social exclusion’ is. As defined by

Gordon and Townsend (2000), they believe that ‘social exclusion’ is

not a state but a process. In December 1997, the Social Exclusion Unit

(SEU) was set up for two years in the first instance, based in the

Cabinet Office and reporting to the Prime Minister. The aim of the

Unit is to develop coordinated policies to address social exclusion,

described as joined-up policies for joined-up problems. It has no

spending budget, since its purpose is to make recommendations to the

contributory government departments, with a view to directing existing

funding more effectively. The ‘socially’ excluded are understood to be

a group outside ‘mainsteam society’. Sometimes they are thought as

‘outdide society’ itself. (Gordon and Townsend 2000). Similarly, the

DSS report states that “social exclusion occurs where different

factors combine to trap individuals and areas in a spiral of

disadvantag...

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...ly similar to those of the host population,

although previous poor access to health care may mean that many

conditions have been untreated. Symptoms of psychological distress are

common but do not necessarily signify mental illness. Many refugees

experience difficulties in expressing health needs and in accessing

health care. Poverty and social exclusion have a negative impact on

health. Initially refugees will need help to make contact with health

and social support agencies. Professional interpreters are essential.

Time, patience, and a welcoming approach will break down many

barriers, but some refugees have problems that need specialist help

and support for which there are few resources, especially outside

London. It is crucial that these resources are developed before larger

numbers of asylum seekers are dispersed.