The Experiences of African Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Manchester, United Kingdom

Clara Toyin Fatoye, Francis Fatoye

Abstract


Objective: To explore the experiences of African asylum seekers and refugees in Manchester, UK. The study also identifies the reasons why African asylum seekers and refugees came to the UK and the problems they faced. To find out whether African asylum seekers are aware of services in place for them.


Methods: The research was carried out at a drop-in centre for asylum seekers and refugees in Manchester, UK. A structured questionnaire interview was administered to the participants. The structured questionnaire interview focused on the experiences and problems faced as asylum seekers and refugees. Data was analysed using thematic analysis where participants’ responses were categorised into themes. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), and approval for participants’ recruitment was granted by the centre, Rainbow Haven.


Results: Six African asylum seekers and refugees participated in the study. Almost all the participants indicated political persecution as the main reason for coming to the UK and that they were smuggled into the UK. Asylum seekers and refugees experienced various problems such as communication, bullying, health issues, isolation, unemployment, finance and accommodation. The majority of them also reported that they received help from their communities and voluntary agencies.


Discussion: Policy makers such as social workers, healthcare professionals and immigration officers are to be aware of the experiences of African asylum seekers and refugees as identified in this study as this may help to put appropriate strategies/policies in place to improve their quality of life and health outcomes.

Keywords


African; Asylum seeker; Refugee.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/2019.7.2258

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