Campaigners call for review of limited leave rules for asylum-seeking families
Neil Puffett
Monday, September 13, 2010
The government is being called upon to rethink its approach to asylum after a report has exposed the problems faced by those individuals and families granted permission to stay in the country for just five years.
A report by the Refugee Council found that the policy of limited leave,which applies to children and adults, had a negative effect on thosestaying in the country including uncertainty over education and workarrangements.
The Labour government introduced the policy of limited leave in 2005.The first of those cases are now filtering through the immigrationsystem, providing the basis for the report's findings.
"Refugees who have proved their need for protection are living with thefear of return hanging over their heads, and the time-limited nature oftheir status has created barriers to accessing employment andeducation," the charity's report states.
Limited leave applies to those who are granted refugee status but meansthey are subject to a review of that status at any time.
Prior to the 2005 change, refugees were given indefinite leave to remainonce they received a positive decision in their asylum case.
The report calls for a review of limited leave, a return to the previoussystem and for steps to be taken in the meantime to clarify the processfor refugees.
A Home Office spokesman was unable to say whether or not a review willtake place.
