The Scottish Government

2004

This document is also available in pdf format (354k)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project was developed by staff from the Scottish Executive (Nicola Edge, Lesley Irving, Thekla Petrie, John Tibbitt and Laura Turney) and the Scottish Refugee Council (Peter Barry, Jon Busby and Nick Putnam). Our thanks should also be extended to the 523 asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland who gave their time to complete the questionnaire.

Table of Contents

Index of figures
Index of tables

Executive Summary

SECTION ONEINTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
1.2 aims and objectives of the study
1.3 Scottish Context
1.4 Refugee Skills and Aspirations
1.5 Summary of Methods

SECTION TwoThe Responses
2.1 Profile of Respondents
2.2 Educational Experience and Attainment
2.3 skills
2.4 Employment
2.5 Aspirations and Hopes for the Future

SECTION THREEKey Findings and Implications
3.1 Key Findings
3.2 KEY ISSUES and implications

References

Appendix OneThe Questionnaire

Appendix Twomethodology
2.1 Outline of Fieldwork Process
2.2 Mainstreaming Equality - Women Refugees and Asylum seekers
2.3 Responses in the Field
2.4 Research Team's Evaluation on Fieldwork Process

Appendix Threea summary of legal status and entitlements

Index of figures

Figure 2.1 Sex
Figure 2.2 Immigration Status
Figure 2.3 Age Distribution of Respondents
Figure 2.4 Women Refugees and Asylum Seekers with Children in Scotland
Figure 2.5 Level of Education Attended/ Completed
Figure 2.6 Secondary Education (or Equivalent)
Figure 2.7 Respondents with Secondary Level Certificates in Scotland
Figure 2.8 University Education
Figure 2.9 Levels of English Language and Literacy
Figure 2.10 Fluent in English Language
Figure 2.11 No English Language or Literacy Skills
Figure 2.12 Employment Status in Country of Origin and in the UK
Figure 2.13 Numbers in Paid Employment/Status
Figure 2.14 Levels of English Language: Respondents in Paid Employment
Figure 2.15 What Respondents Would Like To Do Next

Index of tables

Table 2.1 Average date respondents first came to the UK to claim asylum
Table 2.2 Nationality
Table 2.3 Subject(s) / College Level Education
Table 2.4 Subject of degree course
Table 2.5 Respondents who have received English language training since arrival in Scotland
Table 2.6 Groups, clubs or associations (condensed)
Table 2.7 Profession