Britain’s immigration system is a “public mental health concern” according to doctors from Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). Saying the current system is inflicting harm on asylum seekers, the Guardian reports it is likely “re-traumatizing” people already affected by psychological distress. This includes victims of sexual violence and modern slavery.  

“Moral and ethical obligation” to protect mental health 

Asylum seekers are often fleeing war, rape, imprisonment and torture. They also faced violence, danger or exploitation and lost loved ones on the journey to escape. Women and children are especially vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking and modern slavery. Those experiences can be deeply traumatic and greatly increase the risk of mental illness. But according to a recent report, the treatment they receive on arrival seems to be making their lives worse, not better. 

In their report, RCPsych calls on ministers to review immigration laws introduced by the last government, saying: 

“The government has a moral and ethical obligation to ensure all immigration legislation explicitly protects and supports those with mental illness,”  

The report also criticizes conditions for migrants in the government’s asylum seeker hotels and “prison-like” detention facilities. Citing the physical and social isolation, sleep deprivation and surveillance of residents as factors that are “retraumatizing” to this already vulnerable population.  

Read more