This report explores the effects that enforced destitution has on women who have sought asylum, particularly those women whose claims were rejected, and highlights the urgent need to end this inhumane and ineffective policy. Destitution is defined here as having no right to work, and no housing or financial support.

Women for Refugee Women and their partners spoke with 106 asylum-seeking and refugee women from across England and Wales to hear how they survived after being forced into destitution. Women were made destitute at different points during their asylum journey. But the vast majority who participated in the research became destitute after their asylum claims had been refused.

Published in February 2020 by Women for Refugee Women.