Social Security of Refugees in the UK - Essay Example

The government tries to involve them by providing them with channels to communicate and give their decisions regarding the issues affecting them (NRIF, 2006: CRC, 2004). For instance, the ‘English for Speaker of other Languages’ program aimed at teaching English to this group of people (ISE, 2005: Ragu, 2008). This effort aims at improving their communication abilities so that they can be able to take up their rights and responsibilities.

All adult citizens of the U.K. have an absolute right to the National Hospital Services (NHS), which includes free medical treatment and care. On the other hand, not all Refugees and Asylum seekers receive this facility (Aspinall & Watters, 2010, p.23). Those asylum seekers who have not received permanent residence confirmation from the government cannot access this facility. They have access to medical services but at their own cost (Palmer & Ward, 2007). Those who have received confirmation enjoy national health services (NHS) without any payment (Crawley & Crimes, 2009).

All adult citizens in the U.K. have the right to register with a general practitioner of their choice free of charge. If a general practitioner cannot register them, he or she should give a substantial reason in writing to explain the cause (CIC, 2007). Contrary, refugees and asylum seekers may apply with general practitioners (Lee, 2006: Refugee Council, 2005). However, the general practitioners have the right to consider such applications and decide whether to accept them or reject them (CRC, 2004: Greenslade, 2005).

In research by Bhatia and Wallace (2007), it is clear that there are many barriers. In rare cases, they receive only a temporary registration (Aspinall & Watters, 2010, p.20). For this reason, asylum seekers cannot receive special medical care. During pregnancy, adult female citizens have the right to access maternity services from midwives, general practitioners, or even obstructions based in hospitals. Their cases are given immediate attention. On the other hand, asylum seekers face a lot of problems while trying to access these services.

According to the law, asylums seekers have the right to maternal care and antenatal services (Department of Health, 2007: Feldman, 2006). Nabb’s research (2006) proves that health sectors highly regard maternity care in the United Kingdom and that it is organized and efficient. However, access to these services by this minor group is a rough process due to social factors such as communication barriers (CHAI, 2005: Bhatia & Wallace, 2007: Crawley and Crimes work 2009). All adult citizens in the United Kingdom have a right and responsibility to work for their nation.

After retirement, they get social security funds as a benefit. On the other hand, asylum seekers have the right to apply for jobs, but there are many obstacles to qualification (Lee, 2006). As a result, they cannot obtain any social security funds. This is the major cause of the destitution of this minor group (Coventry Refugee Centre, 2004). In fact, poverty is always increasing amongst this group of people in the United Kingdom. In summary, it is clear that the United Kingdom has in its best tried to defend the human rights and responsibilities of refugees and asylum seekers in their territory.

They have strived to ensure that the gap between the adult citizens and these immigrants is minimal. However, there exist significant differences in these issues in that adult citizens are more privileged than them. The whole integration process faces many challenges such as the existing language barrier, ignorance from refugees, and failure in the implementation of the law.