Great challenges face refugees in Britain, due to the refusal of the security services in the United Kingdom to recognize biometric residence permits (BRP).
Refusal to recognize biometric residence permits (BRP)
A number of UK authorities are allegedly refusing to acknowledge biometric residency permits (BRP), placing newly recognized refugees at danger of poverty, according to refugee rights organizations.
Biometric residence permits to obtain public services and benefits
Biometric residency permits (BPRs) are given to refugees who have been granted humanitarian protection status in the UK within five to seven working days of their arrival. One can utilize BRP, which employs facial and fingerprint biometrics, to confirm one's identity, eligibility for public services and benefits, and even one's right to study in the UK. Within 28 days of getting this, refugees are expected to vacate the government-provided asylum facility.
The government is ignoring restructuring efforts
Some groups are doubting that this time frame is enough for refugees to find rental homes in the UK's competitive market. These include the Refugee Council, Asylum Matters, and the British Red Cross. Not only that, but they say the government is ignoring restructuring efforts and doing little to aid refugees in danger of homelessness.
Long wait for refugees to obtain asylum housing
There will be a long wait for refugees to get asylum housing and aid for the homeless because UK councils have been ordered to help anyone who is destitute or at danger of homelessness within the next 56 days.
The authorities do not accept the grant determination letter or BRP
"Many local authorities also do not accept a Grant Determination Letter or BRP as evidence that a person is at risk of homelessness, further shortening the period needed to find accommodation," noted the Refugee Council in October of last year. The groups' position is that the duration of the asylum stay, beginning with the receipt of the rehabilitation plan, should be increased to 56 days.
The House of Lords deliberated on Thursday potential changes to the procedure for assimilating refugees.
Reconstruction strategy
The reconstruction strategy presents refugees with further challenges. The United Kingdom Home Office warned visa applicants in November 2022 that their BRP could be delayed.
The government is now developing an electronic visa system, or eVisa, to replace paper visas with digital records. As a result of the change, all BRP plans will be valid until December 31, 2024. Additionally, a package of enhanced integration assistance for individuals entering the nation through "safe and legal" means is being developed by the UK government.
