This week is Refugee Week in the UK.
Refugees and asylum seekers are often a contentious topic, being used and manipulated by some political parties to win votes. But they are not a “topic” they are people.
At times of economic hardship, it is easy to look for someone to blame. However, the story we are being fed about refugees is nonsense.
As the UK continues to debate immigration policy, one narrative conveniently overlooked is the positive economic impact of refugees. Far from being a burden, refugees contribute significantly to the UK’s economy—through work, entrepreneurship, taxes, and cultural enrichment.
Refugees Fill Critical Labour Gaps
In sectors like healthcare, social care, agriculture, and hospitality, refugees often take on roles that are hard to fill. Many arrive with professional skills and qualifications, and with the right support, they integrate quickly into the workforce. According to the Migration Observatory, immigrants—including refugees—have a net positive fiscal impact over time, especially when they are able to work and contribute taxes.
The UK government’s 2025 immigration reforms, outlined in the white paper Restoring Control over the Immigration System, have been framed as a necessary recalibration of national sovereignty and fairness. But behind the rhetoric lies a system that many human rights advocates describe as cruel and dehumanising.
Among the most alarming changes is the prohibition of citizenship for anyone arriving via irregular routes, including small boat crossings. This effectively bars thousands of refugees—many of whom are fleeing war, persecution, or trafficking—from ever becoming British citizens, regardless of their need or the legitimacy of their asylum claims.
The reforms also extend the path to settlement from five to ten years, leaving even long-term residents—teachers, NHS staff, care workers—in a prolonged state of legal limbo. The message is clear: belonging must be “earned,” but the criteria are arbitrary and exclusionary.
Victims of modern slavery now face stricter evidentiary requirements to access support, with rejection rates soaring. The government’s approach treats survivors as security risks rather than individuals in need of protection.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Refugees are twice as likely to start businesses as native-born citizens. Sadly, because of discrimination against refugees, it is often harder for them to secure appropriate employment (there are many examples of highly qualified doctors, lawyers, engineers having to accept manual or low skilled jobs) so becoming a business owner is preferrable. These businesses not only create jobs but also stimulate local economies. From restaurants and tech startups to retail shops and logistics firms, refugee-led enterprises are thriving across the UK.
Boosting Local Economies
Refugees are often forced to settle in areas facing economic decline. Their presence can revitalise communities, increase demand for housing and services, and bring new life to high streets. According to the Migration Exchange report, the growth of refugee-focused charities and services has also been linked to broader community development.
Long-Term Fiscal Gains
While initial support costs exist, studies show that over time, refugees contribute more in taxes than they receive in benefits. A 2025 report by the UK Parliament notes that although in-donor refugee costs have risen, the long-term economic integration of refugees offsets these expenses.
A Time for Solidarity Amid Hostile Borders
Welcoming refugees is not just a moral imperative—it’s also an economic opportunity. With the right policies—access to work, training, and legal stability—refugees can and do thrive. And when they do, so does the UK.
Each year, Refugee Week offers a moment of reflection, celebration, and solidarity for people who have been forced to flee their homes. In this climate, Refugee Week is more vital than ever. It is a reminder that refugees are not statistics or threats—they are people. People with dreams, talents, and the right to live in safety and dignity.
This week let’s amplify refugee voices, challenge harmful narratives, and demand policies rooted in compassion and justice. Let’s remind our leaders that human rights are not optional, and that the UK’s strength lies not in exclusion, but in its capacity to welcome.
Visit Refugee Week to find out how to get involved with their Simple Acts and resources. Or, Channel 4 recently aired the documentary Go Back to Where You Came From, where six British people got to experience refugee life, if you do nothing else, please take a watch and remember the human beings behind the headlines.
EDI News 