AN ASYLUM seeker who came to Basingstoke to escape genocide in Sudan has called on the borough council to provide immediate support to deal with those who seek asylum in the borough.

Iman Maygi spoke at a full council meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council held on Thursday, October 19.

She said the council's 2020 to 2024 strategy does not currently address any plans to deal with newly-recognised refugees who have come to the borough and who are currently either homeless or facing homelessness.

She told councillors that she arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker with her family settling in Basingstoke, so knows first the challenges those who seek asylum face.

Speaking at the meeting, she said: "This is something I am deeply passionate about and my aim is to ensure that Basingstoke’s increasingly diverse population, which includes our refugees and asylum seekers, is supported efficiently and effectively."

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Figures from the Home Office show that 185 people were claiming asylum assistance in the borough as of December 2022, up from 109 a year before. 

While awaiting a decision asylum seekers are unable to work but can be entitled to financial assistance and accommodation through what is known as 'Section 95' support.

Claimants may also be eligible for Section 98 – which is given to those who appear destitute and are waiting to see if they are eligible for Section 95 – or Section 4, after a claim is rejected.

Of the 185 people in Basingstoke, 29 were receiving Section 95 support. 

She said the issue with Basingstoke is that "there are so many people" stuck in hotels.

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In response, Cllr Laura James said: "We recognise that this a complex issue that local councils around the country are facing. There is a growing demand from the consequences of the home office policies and lack of them. We know from the great work carried out in our borough that we need proper financial support from the Government."

She said that the borough council is currently writing to the Home Office to air concerns about the situation and is seeking to employ a refugee case worker and support officer. 

Despite this Ms Maygi said immediate support needs to be provided and that she wants Basingstoke to be a place where those seeking asylum can "thrive".