Reception and Integration
How does Europe welcome refugees?
According to the EU's Reception Directive, EU countries should ensure a dignified and comparable standard of living for asylum seekers in their care. Closely linked to the way in which refugees are received when they first arrive is how soon and in what way they are supported in their integration into their new country. Access to language training, employment and adequate medical care, are some of the factors that can determine whether a refugee is able to adapt successfully or is alienated from society.Fernando, a Colombian writer came to Spain as part of a resettlement program run by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). He talks about trying to start his life again, and the isolation that he and many asylum seekers he met experienced.
Prisca is a refugee in Austria, who fled Cameroon in 2003. She struggles to feel settled and integrated into Austrian society, and hopes one day to find a job that relates to her experience.
Maria has been a refugee in Greece ever since she fled Iran under the rule of Khomeini, when a colleague of her husband was imprisoned and killed for his political beliefs. Now, after twenty years in the country, Maria still has to renew her refugee status annually and struggles to belong in Greece.
Majidi is a refugee in Hungary, originally from Afghanistan. He fled war in his native country, poverty in Pakistan, and intimidation by soldiers in Turkey. He speaks eight languages, including Hungarian, and now feels settled in Hungary.
After training for a career in law in his homeland, Henri found himself retraining for work as a welder when he fled to Spain as a refugee. Now Henri manages to make ends meet for his family with his welding work but regrets his inability to practise law.
At 19, Hedja was the oldest of three children accompanying their father to visit relatives in Germany. While abroad the situation in Iran prevented their father’s return and the family were obliged to seek politcal asylum in Spain – the first EU country they had entered. Five years on, Hedja's father and youngest brother have been granted refugee status, but she and another brother have not.
Habib left his home in Afghanistan at 16, when Taliban activists punished his village by closing down the only school and carrying out routine attacks on the inhabitants. Habib fled after being badly injured in one of the attacks and is now living in Greece.
Alice is a musician from Kyrgystan, who was arrested and tortured for her political beliefs. Since arriving in the UK to claim asylum in 2003, she has struggled to rebuild her life and regain her health. She has spent time living on the streets, has given up her profession, and is still trying to find work.
Cleo has lived in Scotland for seven years. She applied for asylum in 2000, but her final appeal was turned down and she is now without status. While she and her family wait for a resolution to their situation, she does her best to remain positive and to contribute to community life in Glasgow.
