THE Scottish Government has scrapped plans to give asylum seekers free bus travel.
Maryhill Integration Network, a Glasgow-based charity working with asylum seekers, said it was “extremely disappointed” by the news.
The Government had planned to have a nationwide pilot up and running by the end of this financial year to give asylum seekers, who are barred from working under UK immigration rules, free bus travel.
But speaking at an event to mark the launch of the Scottish Government’s new refugee integration strategy on Monday, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the plans had been ditched.
The Scottish Government has said the policy is “unaffordable” amid budget pressures.
Refugee Sanctuary Scotland said that they were “saddened” by the decision which the organisation said “was made as a result of budget constraints”.
In a statement posted on Twitter/X, Maryhill Integration Network said: “We are extremely disappointed with the announcement by the Scottish Government to scrap the commitment to implement the free bus travel pilot scheme for people seeking asylum in Scotland.
READ MORE: Angus Robertson issues statement amid calls to resign over Israeli diplomat meeting
“This news comes as a shock to all of us who have tirelessly provided information and campaigned to make this possible since December 2021.”
The organisation said the news could be devastating for asylum seekers, with some viewing it as “a last ray of hope under such difficult and hostile policies”.
The group added: “As third sector organisations who have been providing direct support to the most vulnerable in our communities, we know that having free bus travel would have a positive impact by providing support and connection with others, as well as allowing access to education, advice and advocacy.
“People in the asylum process cannot work, cannot access public funds and some live on as little as £1.36 per day.
READ MORE: BBC urged to ‘rethink’ after top pick for royal editor role turns down offer
“It’s devastating to receive this news at a time when we and our members are joining the celebration of the New Scots Integration Strategy delivery plan launch where transport is a key element.”
Charities and campaigners were gathered at Glasgow University on Monday before the news broke for the launch of the Scottish Government’s new strategy for integrating refugees.
Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell (above) said: “I am deeply disappointed that the Scottish Government has chosen to do this. We have a serious responsibility as a country to do all we can to help protect people who seek safety here – not just in rhetoric, but in action too. This announcement flies in the face of that.
“I was delighted when this policy was announced. It took a lot of work from the Scottish Greens and from refugee rights campaigners across our country to secure it.
“It was a small and compassionate change that would make a big difference to the lives of people who are routinely punished by a hostile and racist system.”
He called on the First Minister to “reconsider if they really want to go back on such an important and humane policy”.
Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said asylum seekers were effectively “barred” from public transport, adding: “They get so little financial support, they simply can’t afford the fares.”
He said that research showed having poor access to public transport was detrimental to the mental health of asylum seekers.
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.”
They pointed out that asylum seekers who were younger than 22, older 60 or who were disabled would still qualify for free bus travel under other concessionary travel schemes.
The spokesperson added: “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.”