Humanities assignment essay : Social policy

UK

Social Policy basically means designing of various policies so that the requirements of people
in need are taken care of. Various policies like health care policies, educational policies,
children welfare policies and others are formed so that the local people can be safe (Greener,
H, K, 2010). Social Policy is about the measures in policy that influence the social
circumstances of individuals. Every country has set a social policy so that they can take care
of the common people but when the common people are not protected by their own country
then they seek help from other countries. Every country has a policy to protect asylum and
refugees so that they too can lead a regular life. Many a times, the term asylum seeker and
refugee is used interchangeably by people in their conversation but there is a huge difference
in both these. An asylum seeker is a person who applies for protection under the 1951
Refugee Convention. Showing well founded fear of persecution on the grounds of race,
member of particular social group, religion, nationality or political belief and waiting for a
decision by the Home office (Hayes 2007). Therefore, when ones application is successful
he/ she is granted refugees status. Following this, then arrangements are be made by the UK
government to relocate refugees from their country to UK. Some asylum applications are
carried inside the country therefore they are dispersed to different cities (Patel, K, 2006).
Asylum seekers in the UK

UK
has a social policy that is friendly towards Asylum seekers and this fact was known to all and
hence, the number of asylum seekers increased drastically in UK (Hayes,2007).
In her works Hayes (2007) states that labour government passed the Act 1999 that was
implemented by National Asylum support Service (NASS).This legislation was intended to
take care of the asylum seekers who were actually in need rather than that of people who just
entered the country and hence dispersed without a say .However, they were housed and
awarded 70% of income support (Hayes, 2007).
UK government started laying huge penalties on the shipping and airline companies which
were helping people to transport from their country to UK without any proper documentation

of being a refugee (Kaye, 1999). The asylum seekers in UK were eligible for benefits so that
they can be safe in the country but this was stopped in the 1990s (Kaye, 1999). If an asylum
seekers application was rejected by the government then the benefits which the government
was giving was also stopped so that the deserving asylum seekers can get it (Kaye, 1999).
The withdrawal of benefits from asylum seekers werent accepted positively by the
newspapers, NGOs and even churches (Kaye, 1999). They all protested against the
government stating that withdrawal of basic needs like food, shelter and healthcare is an
injustice and hence, this rule shouldnt be implemented. The NGOs decided to file a case
against the government regarding this rule and the court stated that every person, in UK, is
eligible for a house and hence, the government has no right to cancel it (Kaye, 1999).

Again according to housing Act 1996, Section 185 indicated that if an asylum seeker applies
at the port of entry becomes eligible for housing support. (Cohen 2001).
In addition, asylum seeker feels safe in London where they can find a group of migrants
stating already. Once an asylum seekers application is rejected then they are not eligible for
any benefits but families with children unaccompanied children are exception to this rule on
agreement to sign a deportation order and avail themselves at a reporting centre accordingly
(Patel, K, 2006).
Entitlements that Refugees receive in the UK
The refugees in UK are eligible for various benefits and UKs social policy is designed in
such a way that they can make the refugees feel like home. All the entitlements that are
available for UK citizens are available for the refugees as well (Patel, K, 2006). Apart from
that, they are also eligible for social care service so that they can treated with due respect in
the society, housing and council tax benefits so that they can have a proper shelter to live
their family and the tax benefits will help them to save the money and utilize the same for
some other purpose. If the refugee is handicapped then they will also be eligible for disability
benefits. They are also eligible for job allowance till the time, one of the family members
doesnt find an accurate job to support their family (Patel, K, 2006).

Challenges for refugees

The refugees who are relocating from any part of the world to UK may get various benefits
but they have to face various challenges so that they can lead a normal life. Few of the
challenges that they face in their day-to-day life are discussed below.

Language is one of the biggest problems that refugees in UK face. They are very depressed
with the problem that they had undergone (and communicating their situation to anyone can
reduce their stress but that is not possible due to language problem. It is also noticed that
most of the refugees are from underdeveloped countries and hence, they are unaware of
English language. Most of the women and elderly people from the refugees dont get an
opportunity to work due to lack of education and hence, they are completely unaware about
communication in English.(Cesarani, 1996)
Mental health of the refugees isnt stable because they hardly know anyone in UK and people
in UK are afraid to be friendly with the refugees because of their depressed state and they
think that they may hurt anybody (Gill, 2006). The refugees underwent a lot of torture in their
home country and hence, they are depressed. By reaching UK, they might have safeguarded
their life but their legal and economic status is very much insecure.
UK has lot of benefits for the refugees but the refugees arent aware about it completely and
hence, they have to struggle a lot every day. They arent aware about the law and they arent
aware about people who can help them to understand the law. They generally try to live
within the benefits that they have so that they can at least be alive. (Gill, 2006).
There isnt any training provided by the government of UK to the refugees. Refugees arent
aware about how an organization works and hence, they assume and operate as it was in their
home land. This creates an unacceptable environment wherein they are present (Gill, 2006).
A large group works for asylum seekers and refugees

Various organizations work towards the betterment of asylum seekers and refugees in the
organization. Refugee agencies work actively as per the need and requirement of refugees.
These agencies arent run by the refugees but they employ refugees in the agency so that they
can understand the actual requirements of the refugees. Apart from that, they also provide
training and employment support to the refugees so that the refugees can find a suitable
employment for themselves (European Union, 2008)

Charities also play a major role in providing help to refugees (Squire, 2005). The charities
identify refugees who have been a part of physical or mental torture in their home country so
that they can help them with counseling. They use to undertake projects so that they can help
refugees who have migrated recently to the UK. Churches also have a role to play in helping
refugees to lead a normal life. Many asylum seekers who are homeless stay at the church.
Apart from that, churches also provide counseling to victims by way of prayers.
The refugees of the country also had access to legal advice for free of cost. The Britain
government had a few social supporters in their country who would help the refugees with
legal advice regarding the things that they need to do if they have faced any kind of
embarrassment from the local community. There were campaigning organizations as well
which use to provide help and support to people informally. This kind of help can be for the
rules that have been set forth by the Britain government or for the voucher system that
prevails for asylum seekers (Doty, 1998).
Lastly and more importantly, there were refugee community organizations in order to help
refugees and asylum seekers. In 1999, these organizations made a significant change in how
refugee communities work together and live together in the United Kingdom. These
organizations came forward as self-help initiatives for asylum seekers and refugee
communities. These organizations are still accessible in form of over 1000 RCOs in the
Britain. These RCOs play most important role for refugees in the UK and help them making
employed and survive in the country (Piacentini, 2012). There were different community
organizations for different communitys refugees thus, allowing the refugees to relax with
their people. In this RCO (Refugee community organizations), refugees can communicate
with other refugees in their own language, thus making them feel even more comfortable
(Sales, 2002).
Effects on the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers

The refugees or asylum seekers who are currently in the UK might have gone through a
difficult situation in life and hence, their mental health is affected thus, forcing them to have
fear and trauma. It is noticed that most of the asylum seekers have lost their close family
member or friend and in many cases, they also have been in death situation.(Charrington,
2009) Many asylum seekers may have been in difficult situations wherein they would have
been deprived of water and food and they somehow would have saved their life and would
have come to the UK. Apart from this, the asylum seekers also have undergone torture,
brainwash, kidnapped, forced separation of family members and forced isolation from family
members.(Tribe 2002).
In the early time of 2000, UK government observed the problems that the asylum seekers had
and they provided counseling to them so that they can be protected from such mental issues.
Apart from that, it was noticed by the Britains government that if the refugees are kept away
from their family for a long time period, it will increase the effect. Hence, the UK

government tries its level best so that the family members can stay together. Initially, the
asylum seekers are put in a medical checkup so that health care can be done and in case of
any problem, proper treatment can be provided to them. In short, UK government undertakes
all possible things so that the asylum seekers get to know that they are safe now (Steel, S, B,
M, 2006).

Aliens Act, 1905

Aliens Act, 1905 came into existence in 1869 1870 and it was noticed that many Jewish
population entered UK. It was noticed that many cities in UK was overcrowded with Jewish
population. Many Jews started taking up all small jobs that they came across and they were
willing to work at any wage because they just wanted to earn their livelihood. Many women,
who couldnt find a suitable job for them, became victim of prostitution. Many Jews also
started with small business with whatever money they had. After certain point of time, the
British were irritated because they realized that the Jews are taking up their jobs and hence,
racism started in the country (Wray, 2006).
Aliens Act, 1905 clearly stated that if a person who is willing to migrate from some other
country to the UK will not be entertained if they didnt have enough possession or position to
support their livelihood and family members. Reason being, if he is mad or has any other
disease, certain crimes have been registered in his name or having an expulsion order (Wray,
2006). This made the people of Britain felt secure about the refugees who were migrating to
their country. For example,married persons wanting to reunite had to show marriage
certificates as an evidence citation here. Moreover, Aliens act, 1905 firstly focussed on
controlling jews immigration both internally and at the entry point. However, many political
parties werent happy with this act as they believed that every person had the right to move
from one part of the world. In this context, it was analyzed that under the aliens act, refugee
would not be landed in the UK from a refugee ship only excluding the port where an
immigrant officer was appointed. Many researchers stated that this was a basic human right
and no one could deprive it from them (Wray, 2006).
Researchers supporting aliens act, 1905 believed that every society culture formed by group
of values increased the number of immigrants. This in turn will dilute the value and
originality of the society. Apart from that, every society has its own set of wealth and social
status that is distributed when the presence of people from other society tends to increase. In
addition, the Aliens Act, 1905 of the UK also demonstrated that the country will always
welcome people who are genuine immigrants(Wray, 2006). It is also noticed that many
people are willing to relocate to the UK for the economic benefits that they can see in the
near future so such benefits will be given only when the government of the UK approves.
There is also an immigration on humanitarian grounds when people want to stay with their
family together. In such situations, immigration is allowed by the Aliens act.The UK
government also stated that the immigration is beneficial to the country as a whole because
immigrants will sharpen their skill and knowledge so that they can find a suitable job in the
UK. A research has presented that most of the immigrants to the UK are business or
politicians from succeeding generation and hence, they get wealth with them (Wray, 2006).

Funding for Asylum seekers and refugees

It was noticed that asylum seekers and refugees were dispersed in the name of the housing
facility. This was not liked by the asylum seekers and refugees because they felt totally alone
when they got housing facility with no one known around. RCOs (Refugee community
organizations) were formed so that they can help refugees in relocation
Additionally, these RCOs use to accumulate cash so that they can help the people who need
them. One of the problems with these RCOs was that they supported a specific group; for
example, an RCO will support Tamil refugees and other RCO will support Jews thus, making
it difficult for minor asylum seekers and refugees to seek help. The funding that the RCOs
receive totally depends on their capability to raise cash. It was noticed that the new
organizations found it difficult to raise funds because the funding institutions needed a track
record to show.( Harper, 2001)

Subsequently, one of the major problems with the RCOs was that they were willing to
undertake registration and other formalities thus, making it difficult for them to survive. A
formal registration proved that they can exist for a long period and hence, the funding
organizations were ready to shell money from their pockets. Registration was considered to
be an expensive thing by these organizations and hence, they preferred to operate as per their
convenience.Secondly, every organization preferred to help people from their own
community rather than that of all the communities who are refugees. Refugees from minority
group didnt support these organizations as they knew that it isnt going to help them anyway
(Zetter, G, S, 2005).
Undeserving Asylum seekers
There is a new term in Britain which states that only the deserving asylum seekers would be
approved and considered as refugees. On the other hand, undeserving asylum seekers would
not be permitted to enter the country. As a result, they were not happy with the kind of policy
that had been followed in the Britain. Likewise, asylum seekers and refugees have now
become a political issue. The asylum seekers will have to use vouchers to purchase anything
from the market in the UK. Therefore, it was not liked by thier community. Apart from that,
they are dispersed and hence, they dont get an opportunity to be a part of their community.
Such activities make the them to be different than that of the UK citizens and hence, they get
a negative thought that they are burdens to the society. It is also noticed that many schools in
the UK dont prefer to admit kids who are from refugee families because the school
authorities believe that these kids cannot perform due to the language barrier that they will
have to face in school(Sales, 2002)

In
addition, there are many general practitioners who dont entertain asylum seekers as patients
because know that the Britain Government is not going to pay for the treatment of these
patients. Thus, if the doctors get an idea that the treatment is going to expensive then they
remove the patients name from the list without any reason (Malloch & Stanley, 2011). On
the other end, the Britain council is strongly against racism but it is noticed that the asylum
seekers are given approvals on the basis of the country to which they belong. Nevertheless,
this is good evaluation therefore proper transition word would benefit that, the asylum
seekers have to come across embarrassing situations almost every day and they are never
accepted by the local people as people among them.(Schuster, 2003b). Other than this, the
asylum seeker couldnt get the remaining changes from the storekeeper. For example, if an
asylum seeker purchases goods worth 18 and they give a voucher of 20 then the remaining
change of 2 wasnt returned to them. This voucher couldnt be used to purchase goods like
cigarettes or tobacco thus, making their life even more difficult. To get rid of this problem,
many asylum seekers started exchanging their vouchers for cash so that they can use the
money to the fullest (Chatwin, 2001).
Consequently, a few policies had been developed concerning asylum seekers and refugees
position and state in the United Kingdom. The developed policies were concentrated on
setting up of processing centers for asylums outside the Europe. In sum, the policies also
included establishment of incorporated control systems for border and fund for European
refugees. The measures of toughness of the policies for asylums had revealed their position in
the past and came forward with new developed policies. A few constituents of such policies
encompass incompatible synchronization degrees between the countries. In this context,
career approval was first introduced by the government of the Uk and the Gemrany from
1987-1990, which was later gone universal. Next, Restrictions on visa were also extended by
Schengen singnatories with a mutual discussion with 73 countries in 1993. Finally,
developments were also made regarding fair treatment the refugees and asylum seekers in the
UK. In particular, applications of these development in policies included diffusion, custody
right to search for employment and access to their welfare benefits. Similarily, the effect of
these developed policies were also noticed by seeking the improvement in men, women and
childrens position in the country (Hatton & Williamson, 2004).

If
an asylum seeker enters the country without any prior approval from the government then
they will have to apply for the benefits of refugees separately. During this time period, if an
asylum seeker needs any help then they will have to get it from the National Asylum Support
System (NASS) and once this is approved, they will get all the benefits from the Britain
government. The asylum seekers were strongly against the dispersal of housing facilities.
During the 1990s, it was noticed that the majority of the asylum seekers was located in

London and then they were moved to other places in the UK which were empty. The
government of Britain made it very clear that they were disbursed for no other reason but due
to non-availability of space (United Nations, 2003).
Early in 2003, the asylum seekers considered that they should be away from the local
community so that they can save themselves from the embarrassment. They were given no
option while choosing the housing option and hence, they were forced to stay in houses that
were allotted to them by the Britain Government (UK home affairs committee, 2003).
Besides, there were various social care needs expected by the refugees in the UK so as to mix
up with and live with the community. By following so, social care need for children were to
understand the role of social services being a part of the family, their education, emotional
and personal well-beings and many other specific needs. On the similar hand, adult refugees
were lacking the knowledge about the procision of social care, uncertainty aout their
entitlements, language of different cultures, status, need assessment, marginalization,
community organizations value, isolation and quality od social care provision. This also
raised the points of womens condition as refugees in the country including their education,
status, role as mothers, racism, volunteering opportunities, social care and exclusion
(Newbigging et al, 2010).
Refugee Children in the UK are safeguarded

If
the refugee family is having children with them then they were given the required protection
so that the children in the family can be protected. Apart from that, many unaccompanied
children also come into the country and they are also given required protection so that they
can be safe. social services supports them show the impact of their services and restrictions
that they face due to strict policies citation please (Childhood Bereavement Network, 2008)
In fact, while considering the interests of parents and children, due importance is given to the
childrens interest rather than that of adults in the family. children Act comes in here which
states that every child matters and therefore the unaccompanied minors falls under this Acts
umbrella evaluate how this act impacts social services citation please. (Childrens society,
2006). The UK government strongly believes that anything that harms a child before the age
of 12, creates a great impact on their mind and hence, they try their level to protect the child
from abuse and other mental harassment. Similarly, if the name of the child is registered with
the Britain government then the government will keep a track of the child and its family
members so that the child can be safeguarded from problems (Childrens society, 2008a).
Moreover, a childrens trust has been formed in the UK so that the children in the country are
protected. In this regard, research done by Ucaln revealed that childrens emotional and
personal wellbeing is concerned so that social support to them couls be ensure and emotional
worries could be addressed. Apart from protecting the children when they are in some
problem, this organization also funds causes that are for the betterment of the kids. This trust
also takes care of the family members of the children so that the family members can take
care of all the requirements of the children (Chase, Knight & Statham, 2008).

Every refugee child is well examined so that a note of their requirements can be made. Good
practices in relation to children protection can be noticed and explained. In this regard, a
letter and protocol were developed in order to assist practices to improve asylum seeking
childrens initial health. In contrast, good quality accommodations as well as activities during
school holidays were provided for unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC). The
protection to refugee children also included drop-in service for them (Ayotte & Williamson,
2001). On the other facade of their protection, if any decision that is going to affect the child,
then the childs opinion about it has to be taken. In all the cases, the childs opinion isnt
possible but in cases, where the child is mature enough to understand the situation, like at the
age of 18 and more, the childrens opinion is a must (Beirens, Hughes, Hek & Spicer, 2007).
The concerned people should give a brief idea to the child regarding the effects of decision
that they are taking and if the child is keen on its decision then that can be implemented
without any second thought from parents (Goldthorpe, 2004).

Asylum seekers in the UK as a whole

The UK government has been continuously improving while considering the care that they
have given to the asylum seekers in the UK. Initially, when social servers of the UK such as
166 NGO and one stop service started serving asylum seekers (European council on refugees
and exiles, 2012). They helped providing them with health and education services. In
addition, they also opened a centre for refugee children. Any unaccompanied asylum-seeking
children can easily contact this council and take the help from the panel available. After a
certain point of time, social workers attained good amount of understanding and experience
in dealing with asylum seekers and allowed refugees to feel secure.The services provided
them to the refugees also involved accommodation & housing support, humanitarian
protection, their status in the community and many more (Engalnd Shelter, 2012)
In this context, the asylum seekers in the UK are really happy with the social policy that they
hold. All the asylum seekers can be rest assured that they are safe in the country. Immigrants
in the country like to be together so that they can get emotional support from one another. UK
government states that the dispersion is just because there is a lack of space for
accommodating all the immigrants. It is also noticed that all the immigrants who migrated in
1990s have settled in London and hence, the majority of the population today in London is
of immigrants. A special team is engaged by the UK government so that they can keep a track
about the parents or the caretakers of the children. In addition to this, an opportunity for
refugees to work is created so that they can earn their living rather than that of being
dependent on the welfare funds that they receive. UK promotes asylum seekers to take
approval from the government before they enter the country so that arrangements can be
made accordingly. If an asylum seekers application to be a refugee is rejected then they will
have to leave the country. (Aspinall & Watters, 2010)
Social policy of the UK is such that it promotes love and care among people of different
country. The policy for asylum seekers and refugees are modified at regular intervals so that
they can help the refugees and immigrants and at the same time, they can safeguard the

interests of the local people as well. For UK government, the first priority is their people and
hence, anything can cause harm to the local people is voided because causing harm to the
citizens of the UK will create restlessness among their population. Moreover, subsidiary and
humanitarian protection is provided to the refugees. Correspondingly, the United Kingdom
provided humanitarian protection to over 80 people in 2011. Additionally, the UK also
provided unrestricted leave to more than 1200 applicants to remain in the country which was
a temporary permission to be in country unlikely for more than three years (The UN refugee
agency, 2012).
Conclusion:

On
the basis of above discussion, it can be concluded that refugees and asylum seekers altogether
make almost 0.33% of the UKs population. As the majority of refugees and asylum seekers
do not have the right to work in the United Kingdom, they do rely on the support from state.
Government with the help of social supporters provide accommodation & housing services,
education and their emotional well-being support to them. Findings from the discussion also
demonstrates that asylum seekers have more complex and interlinked needs. In this regard,
social care need is one of the dimensions which comes under light in relation to other
pressing problems for them. Local authorities and supportive organizations also remain under
uncertainty about the eligibility for condition of social care needs. Therefore, government has
set the society ans some policies concerning the social needs of children, adult men and
women. In this regard, the role and responsibilities of the UK come into light with regard to
their central point of consideration. Other than this, a numbe of social supporters, NGOs,
government are there to take asylum and refugees needs into consideration. Other intitiatives
have also been taken by setting up of European refugee fund offices, control system centres,
refugee community development fund, refugee integrations loan programmes and other
activities involved particularily for them.