Govan Law Centre (GLC) is to launch a Glasgow Asylum Seekers Project with a particular focus on housing, health and the living conditions of asylum seekers and their families and children in the city.

According to GLC, there are approximately 10,000 refugee and asylum seekers in Glasgow. Asylum seekers have no right to work, cannot access the benefit system and rely on public services. Failed asylum seekers are exploited and are often living in very poor conditions and many are destitute.

Research by both Glasgow Caledonian University and the Scottish Refugee Council show 96% of refugees experience homelessness at some point after receiving their status. Many slip through the net and spend time ‘sofa-surfing’ and rough sleeping.

The research also showed that half are unhappy with their living conditions. Lack of basic knowledge of services, rights and opportunities means clients do not know what to do to improve their situation.

GLC’s principal solicitor, Mike Dailly, said: “We are convinced there is much unmet legal need amongst asylum seekers and refugees in Glasgow. We will use the law to inform, enforce rights and opportunities, and ensure full access to public services to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow.”

Launched with the support of The AB Charitable Trust, GLC’s Glasgow Asylum Seekers Project will work with a number of partner organisations, including the Asylum Seeker Housing project.

The project will be headed up Dee Flanigan, solicitor at Govan Law Centre.