The Move On Journey
When someone is granted refugee status, there is a process they must go through to move from asylum support, to independent living. This journey can be complex and people often hit barriers on the way.
Claiming asylum
Initial Claim
Claim Asylum
Once a claim for asylum has been submitted, asylum seekers who are destitute or at risk of destitution can apply for Asylum Support (housing and/or funding) through Migrant Help.
Asylum seekers are not allowed to work unless they have been granted permission to work, which can be applied for if their asylum claim has been pending for 12 months or more. If granted, they are restricted to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List.
Granted Status
Grant of Refugee Status
If the Home Office accepts an asylum claim, the individual is granted leave to remain, most commonly Refugee Status, which is valid for 5 years. Refugee status entitles them to all mainstream services and public funds, including benefits and social housing.
Those receiving asylum support will receive notice from Migrant Help that their asylum support will end in 56 days (temporarily increased from 28 days). This means they will be evicted and their financial support will stop.
This period, known as the move on process, requires refugees to navigate unfamiliar systems, apply for urgent funding, and avoid homelessness.
Beginning on the move on journey
Step 1
Set up an eVisa​
The eVisa serves as the main form of photographic ID for refugees, as they are unlikely to have valid passports, national IDs, or UK driving licenses.
The eVisa can only be set up when the refugee has received the correct documentation from the Home Office. Many refugees encounter issues with their eVisas, including inability to access it, spelling errors and mistakes with photographs.
If the eVisa is not correct then this negatively impacts the rest of the move on journey, as without this form of ID refugees struggle to access all services including a bank account.
Step 2
Open a UK Bank Account
To open a UK bank account, most banks require Photographic ID (eVisa) and a proof of address.
Many refugees will have been placed in hotels through their Asylum Support, these are not classed as permanent addresses by most banks, restricting those living there from being able to open accounts.
Furthermore, due to their lack of interactions with other services refugees often lack proof of address, so are reliant on services such as RMC to provide proof of address for them.
Step 3
Apply for Universal Credit (UC)
A claim for Universal Credit tends to take 5 weeks from application for the first payment, 35 days. If they are not receiving Universal Credit before the Asylum Support ends they will not have any income to survive.
The application can be done without the bank account, then the bank details can be added later.
For a universal credit claim they will require:
- An eVisa
- Home Office grant letter (confirming leave to remain)
- National Insurance Number (NINO)
- Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
- Other supporting documents.
During this period, it can be assessed whether the refugee is eligible for any other benefits including Personal Independence Payments, Child Benefit and Disability Living Allowance.
Step 4
Preventing Homelessness
The next immediate issue facing the refugee is homelessness, with an impending eviction date.
Entitlement to housing is different depending on the Local Authority an individual resides in at the time they receive their grant of asylum.
Services such as RMC assist by providing this eligibility advice, managing expectations, and enabling access to safe housing.
Refugees receiving asylum support will not have savings for private rentals and will usually depend on:
- Homelessness provisions
- Supported accommodation
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
To access supported accommodation, refugees will need their eVisa and evidence that they have applied for benefits.
To access homelessness provisions, they will need to apply for Housing Benefit, which will again require their eVisa.
Step 5
Register with Essential Services
Once the refugee has moved house they will need to reregister with essential services, as they may have been moved a significant distance from their previous address.
This will include GPs, dentists and opticians.
Children will also need to reregister for local schools.
Step 6
Long-Term Stability
Once the immediate issues are resolved, the refugee is able to focus on more long-term interventions such as attending college to learn English through ESOL classes, looking for employment, and applying for long-term housing.
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