Scottish Refugee Council Holds Meeting to Oppose the Nationality and Borders Bill

A number of organisations gathered on Wednesday to show solidarity with refugees and oppose the criminalisation of migrants.

Photograph: Scottish Refugee Council

By Sam Doak

The Scottish Refugee Council held an open meeting at The Trades Hall on Wednesday in opposition to the Nationality and Borders Bill. The event was held as part of a UK-wide day of action during which a number of organisations across the country gathered to voice their disapproval of the government's proposed legislation. 

Campaigners are opposed to the Nationality and Borders Bill for a number on the grounds. Perhaps most importantly, they point out that it criminalises asylum seekers arriving through nonofficial routes, sanctions the use of offshore and closed facilities for the housing of migrants, and determines their eligibility for humanitarian protection based on how they arrived in the UK. 

Concerns have also been raised due to the circumstances under which it sanctions criminal penalties for those facilitating the arrival of migrants. Groups including the Law Society of Scotland claim that these measures threaten those engaged in rescuing migrants at sea and could result in crossings becoming even more perilous for those who attempt them. 

The speakers from Wednesday's event came from a number of different organisations across Glasgow and the surrounding area. Drawing on his own experience of migration, Chief Executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir Zazai addressed those present saying: 

“Sadly we have a bill that is going through committees and parliament that tells us that people going through irregular routes are criminals and should be locked away. It’s not right and it's not something that goes with our traditions of welcome and hospitality.”

“Twenty years ago, when I arrived here on the back of a lorry, if I had been locked away I would not be speaking with you now… the only hope is us sending a message: that bill is not for us”

This sentiment was shared by Pinar Aksu, programme coordinator for the Maryhill Integration Network, who said: 

“Unfortunately the issues faced by people are continuing and the anti-refugee bill is not going to make things any easier.”

“It’s not in line with international law, not in line with human rights and is a bill that is not defensible in any shape or form… people will be criminalised.”

According to a survey of members of the Scottish public carried out by Survation on behalf of the Scottish Refugee Council, support for refugees in the country is widespread. Amongst other findings, the organisation found that 77% of respondents believed that asylum seekers ought to have the right to work and a majority supported housing migrants within communities rather than detention centres. Only 17% of respondents indicated that they believed the nature of the route taken by migrants should affect their right to live safely in the UK. 

The Scottish Refugee Council has committed to continuing its opposition to the Nationality and Borders Bill. You can keep up to date with their campaigns by following them on Twitter at @scotrefcouncil and show support using the hashtag #togetherwithrefugees.