Resource

Over the past year, we have seen examples where a survivor of trafficking has been threatened with the application of so-called ‘Public Order Disqualification’ to their case. The impact of this can be devastating for survivors as they could be denied access to support such as weekly financial payments, housing, accommodation and independent emotional and practical help through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the framework for identifying and protecting victims of trafficking and modern slavery.

After 10 years apart, our client Rose was finally reunited with two of her daughters in London. But her eldest has yet to join her. She shares her story and asks: “How will this affect families like mine? Mothers like me?" Rose is one of hundreds of refugee parents in the UK whose children and families remain in conflict zones around the world, facing serious risks without the support of a parent or close relative. Refugee family reunion remains one of the few safe and viable ways for loved ones, particularly women and children, to reach protection in the UK.

The Home Secretary’s announcement that asylum support would be revoked for those who “have the ability to support themselves and have the right to work” (whether they have applied for this permission or have been granted it by the Home Secretary) risks pushing people who simply cannot work at that point in their lives towards homelessness, poverty and losing access to vital legal aid. This is particularly concerning for those who are traumatised or disabled, or who lack relevant skills and experience and cannot find appropriate employment