Worcester residents are being encouraged to check out the facts around immigration, asylum seekers and refugees in the city.
These issues are being debated across the nation, particularly with hotels – including the Fownes in Worcester – being used to house people seeking asylum in what the present and previous Governments have said is a temporary measure.
To help people understand all the facts when they are discussing these issues, Worcester City Council has published a new webpage. It explains the differences between migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and answers many of the questions that people have about this sensitive subject.
Find out about immigration and asylum-seeking in Worcester.
Councillor Jabba Riaz, Labour Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “We have a proud history of welcoming migrants to Worcester, who have played a key role in our economy and society for hundreds of years.
“The aim of this new section of the Council website is to set out the facts on immigration in Worcester.”
Cllr Karen Lewing, co-Leader of the Council’s Green group, said: “There are so many misconceptions about this subject, so it is important that the record is set straight. One of the common ones is that the City Council is responsible for providing housing to asylum seekers, including in local hotels. In fact, that is something the Home Office does. The new webpage at www.worcester.gov.uk explains the roles and duties that different organisations have. I hope this page will help inspire more kindness and compassion towards everyone.”
Cllr Jessie Jagger, Leader of the Council’s Liberal Democrats group, said: “Seeking asylum is sometimes misunderstood as being illegal. In fact, it is a lawful process, and the reality is more complex. This new webpage sets out the facts.”
