Pilot Bus Scheme Launched to Aid Oxford Asylum Seekers
Public transport project aims to help asylum seekers in Oxford feel less isolated.
Oxfordshire County Council is partnering with local charities and bus companies to provide asylum seekers accommodated in Oxford with free bus travel.
Starting this week, the 6-month pilot scheme will aim to give asylum seekers more freedom to move around Oxford as well as an opportunity to adapt to life here as they await the decision on their application.
As per the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, those who have claimed asylum and are staying in a hotel, are entitled to less than £9 per week (£8.86). These financial measures severely limit their capacity to access services, integrate into the local community and achieve future employment when permitted.
Those seeking asylum can look for work once their application has been processed, which can take months. Alternatively, if they have been waiting more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim they can apply for permission to work.
With limited financial resources, and long waits for employment opportunities, those involved in this bus project have sought out innovative ways to relieve immediate pressures.
This initiative follows Oxfordshire County Council’s decision in June to become a Council of Sanctuary. The purpose of a Council of Sanctuary is to offer a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking asylum, refuge or migration.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is one small thing we can do to support asylum seekers who are awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim. It will enable them to prepare for work by accessing services and learning to adapt to life in Oxfordshire.”
He added: “We hope that the scheme will help asylum seekers integrate into Oxford life by enabling them to attend appointments”.
Costing around £31,000, the scheme has been developed in unison with Oxfordshire County Council, local charity Asylum Welcome who have administered the bus passes, and both Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach West.
Asylum Welcome assists refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants throughout Oxfordshire with information, advice, practical support and solidarity. The voices and experiences of the very people they support helped to shape this bus scheme.
When asked about how they feel about this news, Ghaniyat, who has been aided by Asylum Welcome, said: “I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life. I appreciate it deeply.”
One recipient of a bus pass was particularly happy as he had been walking to his appointments across Oxford with a broken leg.
Mark Goldring, Director of Asylum Welcome said: “This is a really positive commitment by Oxfordshire County Council that enables asylum seekers to study, volunteer, worship and prepare for when they are allowed to work. It reduces isolation, improves well-being and the sense of inclusion that Oxfordshire is trying hard to promote.”
It is calculated that around 275 asylum seekers accommodated within Oxford will be eligible for a pass. The council confirmed that this number is based on the expected number of people who will stay in the city over the next 6 months, and the estimated number who will require a pass.
Unused passes will be handed back for others to use.
With Rachel Reeves announcing in the recent budget that bus fares will rise to £3 next year, the pilot scheme hopes to offer a practical way to help vulnerable individuals with everyday tasks as they seek to rebuild their lives.
If successful, the council will “explore options” for extending the scheme further.