Racism, discrimination and the threat of
deportation mean young asylum seekers and refugees in the UK are
suffering from stress and mental ill health.
Now psychiatrists, who have analysed the
post-migration stresses facing young asylum seekers in Glasgow,
believe changes in immigration policy would help improve the
quality of their lives.
Researchers interviewed 14 secondary school
pupils living in Glasgow, which is the only Home Office dispersal
area in Scotland. The pupils all had an immigration status of
asylum seeker or refugee, and came from a range of ethnic
backgrounds.
The main causes of stress identified by the
participants were: language and cultural barriers, lack of
employment opportunities, exposure to racism and academic
pressure.
The participants also perceived the
immigration processes as ‘unjust’ and complained about long delays
with their asylum applications. This, together with the combined
threats of deportation, ‘dawn raids’ and detentions, caused
considerable day-to-day stress and upheaval for the young people
and their families.
Although the pupils did report considerable
stress, the researchers found evidence that this stress could be
mitigated through good support from family, friends and the wider
community, as well as access to education and leisure
activities.
The pupils also came up with their own
suggestions of ways in which immigration policy and practice could
be improved.
The study, which was presented at a meeting of
Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, confirms previous findings that racism, discrimination
and immigration practice remain key stressors for young asylum
seekers and refugees.
However, the researchers concluded that
psychiatric interventions are not necessary. Instead, changes in UK
immigration policy – together with better support networks and
greater social inclusion – are more likely to improve the wellbeing
of young asylum seekers.
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Residential Conference, 17-19 September 2008, Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool.