| Below are three true stories from people who have fled their own countries to come to Britain.
When asylum-seekers have an application refused, any entitlement to support stops. This means that they are not allowed to work and are not provided with any accommodation.
The government offers incentives to failed asylum-seekers who agree to return to their home countries voluntarily. This is arranged in conjunction with the International Orgnaisation for Migration (IOM). For some however, voluntary return is not an option. In the most extreme cases, people risk being killed if they ever go back.
This is Mary’s story, a 35 year-old woman from Cameroon. Her asylum application has failed and now she is destitute. Mary only has a place to sleep and enough money to survive thanks to a charity based in Bournemouth.
“I left Cameroon because my life was in danger. I was looking for peace and just to live my life. I was attacked and beaten by the police because my partner was a member of the opposition party.
“First I was a refugee in Cameroon but even this wasn’t safe. A friend gave me money to come to England after we were attacked again and I have been here now for eight years.
“When I arrived, I didn’t even know where I was. I didn’t know it was London. I applied for asylum but my first case was refused because I couldn’t make myself understood and there was nobody to interpret.
“I have applied again but I don’t know what will happen, I haven’t heard anything for a few years. Amnesty International sent a letter on my behalf when I was refused the first time asking for more explanation but it didn’t help.”
“I used to miss home but now I have nothing left there. My partner was killed in jail three years ago. My mother and father have both passed away and I feel lonely and depressed.
“It would be better if I could work. I am trained as a nurse and I did an access course to go to Coventry University. I was refused permission to study so now I can only do volunteer work.
“I remember the pain I felt when my friends from the course graduated from Coventry.
 Ayob is a 24 year-old Kurdish man from Iraq. He has been in England for five years and, following a successful application, now has indefinite leave to remain.
Click below to hear his amazing story
 Below is the account of a man from Uganda who fled hospital to seek safety in England. He is one of few asylum seekers given status to remain in this country.
Click to listen to his reasons for leaving.
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