What we mean by…
Christians uphold and respect the assertion that every human person is special, that life is precious, and that there is a common duty to uphold and promote human dignity.
And so it is always with caution that we should apply labels or attempt to define people, especially when it is increasingly that often the term ‘asylum seeker’ or ‘migrant’ carries a negative or pejorative connotation. The media, politicians and many people will use terms like ‘migrant’, ‘immigrant’ or ‘refugee’ fairly interchangeably, which can also make it confusing.
As Christians we are first of all asked to see God’s image in the people we meet and not to label them. Yet it is important to set out some of the UK legal definitions involved in working with migrants at the start, as understanding these is necessary to understand the particular circumstances and potential needs of people you might meet or pray with.
Migrant
• lives or intends to settle somewhere other than their place of origin
• could have many reasons for moving
Asylum seeker
• flees their homeland
• arrives in another country, whichever way they can
• makes themselves known to the authorities
• submits an application for asylum or another form of international protection
• in the UK, has a legal right to stay in the country while awaiting a decision
Refugee
• has had their claim for asylum or another form of international protection accepted by the government of another country or has been resettled by the government of another country for humanitarian reasons
• can now stay either long-term or indefinitely
Internally displaced person
• has been forced to leave their home
• remains within their own country (has not crossed an international border)
• can have the same humanitarian needs as refugees, asylum seekers or others crossing an international border
Refused asylum seeker
• has been unable to prove (or the authorities have not accepted) that that they would face persecution back home
• has been denied protection by the authorities
• must now leave the country, unless they wish to appeal the decision or there are legitimate reasons why they cannot yet return home
• In the UK, has no right to accommodation, welfare or employment; destitution can often mean homelessness and relying on charities for support.
Economic migrant
• has moved to another country to work
• could be legally or illegally resident
• may or may not have a legal work permit
