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Migration: Definitions

	Migration Matters
	Migration Myths
	What can churches do?

Economic Migrants come to the UK to work or study. Citizens from European Union countries have the right to come to Britain to live and work.

People from outside the EU have to meet a number of requirements before being granted permission to come to the UK.

Asylum seekers have fled persecution or fear in their home country. The UK has an obligation under international law to consider a person's claim for asylum. If the claim is found to be genuine, they are granted refugee status.

If their application is turned down, they are termed refused (or ‘failed') asylum seekers, and may be deported. Some refused asylum seekers are put into detention centres before being deported.

Oakington Detention Centre Chaplaincy Supported by the URC

A close-knit multi-faith chaplaincy team works to support detainees, who are living through an incredibly stressful period of their lives. The diverse worship services in the chapel, the mosque and the prayer room are a frequent source of inspiration and joy for detainees

A major dilemma for the chaplains is how to maintain realism, whilst supporting faith and hope in the face of likely removal to an unsafe or hostile country.

This crucial spiritual ministry is further supported by a small faithful band of volunteers who provide good, warm clothing for those who are destitute, and games and books for everyone, while they await the decision on their future.

Human trafficking is a criminal activity which involves the moving of people, who may be asylum seekers or illegal immigrants, across borders. Human trafficking exploits the young and the vulnerable, and some trafficked children and women are forced to work in the sex trade.

Illegal immigrants are people who do not have official permission to live and work in Britain. These could be people who came on student or temporary work visas and have overstayed, or who have made it to Britain without going through the correct procedure. It is estimated that there are between 300,000 and 500,000 such people in the UK today.

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