Why does Boaz exist?

Many of the people we work with have been forced to flee their homes because of persecution, oppression or conflict. They arrive in the UK hoping for sanctuary, but without irrefutable proof, good legal advice and because of huge delays in asylum decision making, many are forced into destitution.

We believe Greater Manchester should be a place where people seeking safety are welcomed and are free to live life in all its fullness. But many who arrive in the UK can’t access the basic essentials we all need to survive: food to eat and a safe place to live. 

From two decades of experience, and from listening to the people we support, we know that housing is key. Having a home is an essential foundation from which people who have often experienced significant trauma can begin to rebuild their lives. 

What happens when someone receives a negative decision on their asylum application?

Asylum support (accommodation and finances provided by the Home Office) ends 21 days after someone receives a negative decision on their asylum claim. People who have been refused asylum do have the option of appeal but some may not have the financial, emotional or legal capacity for this, despite there often being grounds for appeal. Legal aid 'deserts' are also now prevalent, and The Law Society has found that across England and Wales, 63% of the population do not have access to an immigration and asylum legal aid provider.

A significant number of decisions are overturned at appeal, but some may go on to be refused again, especially without access to legal support. People who have been refused asylum can be too frightened to return home for fear of death or persecution. Following the withdrawal of housing and financial support after 21 days, many find themselves experiencing destitution and homelessness.

What happens when someone receives a positive decision on their asylum application?

When someone receives a positive decision on their asylum claim, they are usually granted refugee status and have leave to remain in the UK for 5 years. After these 5 years, they can currently apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (also known as settlement). However, in the Immigration White Paper, the Government has set out plans to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from 5 years to 10 years.

In the immediate term, people granted refugee status are given just 28 days to ‘move on’ from asylum accommodation. This short amount of time is simply not long enough for people to open a bank account, secure housing, employment or access Universal Credit.

On top of this, many people who are newly granted refugee status are likely to be unfamiliar with navigating UK systems. They may not speak English as a first language, and may also lack the social networks and experience which many of us rely on to access work, education and housing. As a result, experiencing homelessness following a positive decision on an asylum application is becoming more and more common.