In the news

Refugees and asylum seekers are often inaccurately and unfairly represented by parts of the media. This contributes to the myths and stereotypes that surround them. 

Discover the facts behind the news print.

Source: The Refugee Council

‘One in five flock here; Asylum: We're too damn soft’

Daily Star, 23 January 2004

In 2005, the UK was 14th in a table of EU countries in terms of the number of asylum applications per head of population. The UK is home to less than 3% of the world’s refugees.

‘Asylum seekers sent to more affluent areas’

Daily Mail, 23 December 2005

Most asylum seekers live in poor quality accommodation in deprived areas. Research has shown that racial intolerance is more prevalent in some of these areas.

‘Migrant health threat to Britain’

Daily Express, 22 April 2005

In 2003 the Immigration Service tested 5,000 asylum seekers for infectious diseases and found that none carried TB, HIV or AIDS, or any other serious diseases.

‘Halt this crooked tide’

News of the World, 30 January 2005

According to the Association of Chief Police Officers, the ‘vast majority of people seeking asylum are law-abiding citizens’. They are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators.

‘Asylum seekers given votes to get loan’

Mail on Sunday, 1 May 2005

Asylum seekers cannot vote in local or general elections in the UK, and do not have access to loans.

‘So-called asylum seekers who, in reality, seek no more than access to our welfare system’

Sunday Express, 2 May 2004

According to Home Office research, most asylum seekers have little or no knowledge of the welfare or asylum system in the UK before they arrive.