Oxford asylum seekers set to receive free bus travel

Oxfordshire County Council is working with Asylum Welcome and local bus companies to deliver the pilot scheme.

It aims to help asylum seekers attend medical appointments, pick up medicines sooner, and build confidence by being able to use the transport system.

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The council said the assistance will also help them to get a job once they are granted asylum status or have been in the UK for 12 months.

Currently, asylum seekers living in hotels are entitled to less than £9 per week, which "severely limits their ability to access services and learn about the British way of life," the council said.

Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management, said: "This is one small thing we can do to support asylum seekers who are awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.) "It will enable them to prepare for work by accessing services and learning to adapt to life in Oxfordshire.

"We hope that the scheme will help asylum seekers integrate into Oxford life by enabling them to attend appointments."

The initiative is part of a broader plan for the county council to become a Council of Sanctuary, a decision made by its cabinet in June after adopting a motion in November 2023.

Mr Gant added he believes the scheme will help asylum seekers to "build connections with local people" and "assist them in the longer term to become economically active".

Mark Goldring, director of Asylum Welcome, said: "This is a really positive commitment by Oxfordshire County Council that enables asylum seekers to study, volunteer, worship, and prepare for when they are allowed to work.

"It reduces isolation, improves well-being, and the sense of inclusion that Oxfordshire is trying hard to promote."

The scheme is expected to benefit around 275 asylum seekers in Oxford and will cost around £31,000.

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: "We’re proud to have partnered with Asylum Welcome for several years now, supporting those claiming asylum both in Oxford, and the wider county.

"We’ve positively built the relationship and we’re pleased to help with this important scheme in partnership with key stakeholders that will make a real difference to asylum seekers in our community."

Chris Hanson, managing director at Stagecoach West, added: "Stagecoach West is delighted to participate in this pilot travel scheme for asylum seekers in Oxfordshire, reflecting our commitment to supporting our communities.

"The initiative will enable individuals to travel freely, fostering a sense of belonging and opening doors to future job opportunities."