Rejected : a study about the difficulties faced by ‘failed’ asylum seekers in the accessibility, adequacy, and affordability of housing

Abstract

The status of a ‘failed’ asylum seeker carries several implications with it, including difficulties in accessing adequate, and affordable housing. This study analyses interviews with ‘failed’ asylum seekers as well as different stakeholders and service providers on the topic of migration and housing. It focuses on the impact the failed status has on the asylum seekers themselves and on the community. A qualitative approach was used to gather the data and this study was informed by an activist and community development approach and guided by critical theory. The data was interpreted through thematic analysis. The findings that emerged through the most salient themes sustain the notion that ‘failed’ asylum seekers not only find it difficult to access affordable and adequate housing, but due to their exclusion, it is affecting the community at large. The analysis of the implications and findings of this study should help gain a better understanding of the difficulties that ‘failed’ asylum seekers face when they try to access affordable and adequate housing. It is anticipated that the findings will encourage critical debate which will then lead to the recommendations to be implemented in order to improve the lives of this marginalised group of people. Alongside the recommendations for future research, awareness raising, and change in policy, this study has provided insight into how systematic structures and policies need to be changed to include ‘failed’ asylum seekers in society, not just on the individual level but also at the community level.