Refugees (not)welcome: Is UK’s being selective towards which refugees are allowed to enter its territory?

Abstract

Countries of the Global North have long established restrictive measures to deter refugees and asylum-seekers from their territories. In 2022, when the number of refugees in Europe doubled due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the international response varied, and refugees were granted access to entry and protection. Focusing on the United Kingdom (UK) as a case study, this thesis examines the selective response towards refugees and asylum-seekers in the UK as a result of its immigration policies and explores the underlying facets that influence the differential treatment. This study also examines the political rhetoric and narratives which shape the attitudes towards different refugee groups. Through qualitative research in the field of refugee and citizenship studies, the applied methodology consists of in-depth interviews with refugees in the UK, as well as an analysis of its immigration policies. By applying the theory of dehumanisation, the thesis aims to analyse how immigration policies shape the experience of refugees and asylum-seekers. The findings reveal that different groups of refugees are being given differential treatment depending on where they come from and the route they choose to the UK, given the limited options available. Country of origin, mode of arrival, and legal status are some of the factors that influence the support and services available to refugees. This selective treatment is a portrayal of the UK’s discriminatory immigration policies. The work argues that the UK’s refugee system is segregated and selective. The selection as to who should receive protection is biased towards those who share similarities in terms of culture, religion, and race. The study concludes with recommendations aimed at addressing the differential treatment and emphasizes the need for a non-discriminatory approach. The relevance of the thesis from a human rights perspective is the documentation of a narrative which highlights the exclusionary policies and approaches in the UK towards refugees and asylum-seekers, and how these impact their human rights.