Asylum seeking pathway (1022)

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On arrival in the UK women will be allocated hotel accommodation.

They are then transferred to Initial Accommodation whilst awaiting Home Office decision (6 months - 2 years).

They may have to share this tenancy with another person unknown to them.

During this time they receive £5/day antenatally, £8/day postnatally. ALL asylum seeking women need an I.D.L. on postnatal discharge to enable Red Cross to apply for maternity grant.

All asylum seeking women should have a Financial Inclusion referral sent via BadgerNet.

Most asylum seeking/refugee women will have already been referred to Red Cross by Asylum Bridging Health Team, if not please refer g.salih@redcross.org.uk

Asylum seeking women will often require an AMMA referral if they are on their own or partner is required to care for children whilst in labour.

List of useful agencies to refer to

All midwives can refer to these services, forms are easy to complete; just patient details and brief explanation of reason for referral, i.e. AMMA - socially isolated, no birth' partner.

Red Cross - socially isolated asylum seeker.

SNIPS midwives are always happy to answer any questions regarding asylum seeking/refugee status.

TARA (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance) - women requiring TARA are directly referred to SNIPS.
- 0141 276 7724
MEARS HOUSING - 0141 378 7484
MIGRANT HELP - 0808 801 0503 / 0141 212 8550
SAHELlA - 0141 552 6540

Asylum Seeker / Refugee - definitions

Asylum Seeker

A person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another country.

Refugee

A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster.

"Someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a wellfounded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race/religion/nationality/membership of a particular social group or political opinion."

An asylum seeker is someone who is seeking international protection but whose claim has not yet
been determined.

A refugee is someone who has leave to remain, is in permanent accommodation, eligible for benefits
and to work.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 12/04/2022

Next review date: 01/04/2027

Author(s): Elizabeth Ellis.

Version: 1

Approved By: Obstetrics Clinical Governance Group

Document Id: 1022

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