18. Refugees
In the latest statistics, there were 191 refugees and asylum seekers living in Bromsgrove. Currently none are housed in hotels.
• 169 are from Ukraine
• 20 from Afghanistan
• 2 from other places
It is generally illegal for people fleeing war and persecution to enter the UK and so about half wishing to come here resort to illegal means such as crossing the channel in small boats. We pray for those grieving the 69 people who drowned in the channel last year and those who have died travelling here this year. Because of the dangers involved, 76% of those who cross the channel are men and overall men make up 59% of asylum claims. If they are successful they can apply for a ‘refugee family reunion’ visa for their family - if their family can leave.
We pray for the families of the Ukrainian and Afghan refugees who are still in their home countries facing the daily risk of death. We pray for peace in the world and for families to be reunited.
Most refugees move to neighbouring countries but there are now 500 thousand refugees living in the UK. This makes it the fifth biggest taker of refugees in Europe and this has lead to some unrest. We pray for our politicians as they design a humane and fair asylum system and for peace on our streets.
We give thanks for Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcomes Refugees (BRWR). They are a group of volunteers living in and around Bromsgrove and Redditch who want to support refugees and asylum seekers who have come to the two towns.
The Bible tells us to treat foreigners living in our country with the same respect as those born here. Lord help us as we obey your word.
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