The UK has the world’s 19th largest number of refugees
In 2000 more than 97,000 people applied for asylum in the UK - the largest number
of any EU country. While waiting for the outcome of their applications, asylum seekers
are not allowed to work for six months. About a quarter of asylum claims are rejected -
and those whose appeals fail can be deported. They are given £10 ($14) in cash, and about £26 in vouchers a week,
and are usually housed in hostels or detention centres.