Do the majority of refugees come to the UK?

​

Despite what is assumed about the movement of refugees, 73% of those feeling their home countries relocate to a neighbouring country. 85% of refugees also relocate to developing countries. Less than 1% of refugees make it to the UK to seek asylum and only 1 in 3 applications for asylum made in the UK are granted. Turkey has taken in 3.7 million refugees, more than any other country, followed by Colombia, Pakistan, Uganda and Germany, each with over 1 million refugees taken in [1].

​

Are the majority of refugees, working-age men?

 

Of all of those who have been displaced, 41% of them are children below the age of 18 which makes them the majority of those who are refugees [2].

​

What is the difference between refugees and migrants?

​

Under international law, Refugees are defined and protected as people who have left their country due to factors such as "feared persecution, conflict, violence or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order and who as a result, require 'international protection'" [3]. In comparison, the term 'migrant' isn't defined under international law and its definition varies between users. Usually and traditionally, the term 'migrant' is used to "designate people who move by choice, rather than to escape conflict or persecution" [3]. However, the term migrant can also include people who move due to hardships such as natural disasters, famine or extreme poverty.

​

Can people seeking asylum work in the UK or claim benefits?

​

"People seeking asylum are not allowed to claim benefits or work in the UK. If they are destitute and have no other means of supporting themselves, they can apply to receive asylum support. This is set at around £5.84 per day [4].

 

​

​

​