Oxfam statement in response to David Blunkett's announcement of reform of the asylum seekers system Welcoming the Government’s announcement that it is to abolish the controversial vouchers system Oxfam’s Justin Forsyth said:

Oxfam News Releases - 29/10/01

“This announcement heralds the complete abolition of vouchers and Oxfam applauds the Government’s good sense in recognising the inhumanity and unfairness of the system – a system we and many others have been campaigning against for 18 months. With the promised introduction of smart cards we hope that all asylum seekers will be given benefits in cash. Asylum seekers should receive benefits at the same level as income support.”

If the Government decides to introduce accomodation centres, Oxfam proposes that they should abide by the following minimum requirements:

Accomodation centres must be open and asylum seekers should have complete freedom of movement with no curfews.
People should not be held for prolonged periods of time.
Residence should not be compulsory. Asylum seekers should be able to choose to live in the community with friends or relatives.
For those asylum seekers resident in the community, basic support must be available:
- Full access to cash benefits
- Permission to work immediately
- Full range of services, sensitive to the needs of asylum seekers
- Communities to be properly prepared to receive asylum-seekers

For more information contact the Oxfam GB Media Unit on 01865 312484

www.oxfam.org.uk