Scottish government ends free bus travel for asylum seekers: 'Disappointing and devastating'

Refugee organisations have criticised the Scottish government’s “disappointing and devastating” decision to end free bus travel for asylum seekers.

The scheme provided a “glimpse of hope for the future” for asylum seekers, said the leader of one charity, as the government decided to end a pilot which had run since October 2023.

Free travel reduced isolation, enhanced integration, and improved health and wellbeing for asylum seekers – who are unable to work and survive on less than £50 a week – said Ekta Marwaha, chief executive of Refugee Sanctuary Scotland.

“It is concerning and disappointing to hear this news today and we are sorry to all the asylum seekers who had been shown a glimpse of hope for the future,” Marwaha told the Big Issue.

Announced in October 2023 with £2m of funding, Scotland’s initiative inspired similar calls across the country. Oxfordshire County Council was considering bus travel for asylum seekers as of June, with one Green Party councillor branding it “performative cruelty” to deny them a bus pass.

A campaign in London has pushed Sadiq Khan to adopt a similar policy, and at a protest in February asylum seekers told the Big Issue they had missed dental appointments and struggled with education as they were unable to travel.

Scotland’s is not the only government-backed scheme to be rolled back. In Wales, a “Welcome Ticket” scheme for buses and trains which had run since March 2022 ended on 31 March – but the Welsh government said it planned a future replacement.

“This decision will have a significant negative impact for people seeking asylum in Scotland. For some, it was a last ray of hope under such difficult and hostile policies,” said the Maryhill Integration Network on X as it shared the news.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government is having to make very difficult decisions to deliver balanced and sustainable spending plans for the 2024-25 financial year, therefore it is unaffordable to progress piloting free bus travel for all people seeking asylum in Scotland. 

“People seeking asylum in Scotland who are currently eligible for free bus travel through the National Concessionary Travel Schemes, including those under 22 and over 60 years of age and those with disabilities, will continue to be able to make use of their entitlement. 

“We remain committed to supporting people seeking asylum, refugees and communities through the New Scots refugee integration strategy approach. We want to work collaboratively with the UK government to contribute ideas that build on shared priorities and where possible provide evidence of impacts and needs. By working together and sharing learning, there is great potential for tangible improvements to be made for refugees and people seeking asylum living in the UK.”

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