Good News, Bad News: Why the Move-On Period Matters

Transition Challenges

The move-on period forces refugees to quickly leave asylum housing and secure independent living without adequate support.

Complex System Navigation

Refugees must navigate unfamiliar welfare, banking, and employment systems while coping with language and trauma barriers.

Consequences of Instability

Early instability leads to homelessness, financial insecurity, and impacts mental health and trust in institutions.

Need for Reform

Reforming the move-on period is crucial to ensure refugee status marks a stable new beginning, not a further crisis.

What is the Move-On period and how it works?

Definition and Purpose:

The move-on period is a 28-day transition after refugee status to shift from asylum housing to independent living.

Challenges in Coordination:

Multiple bureaucratic steps run in parallel without clear guidance, complicating access to benefits and housing.

Documentation and Eligibility Issues:

Obtaining necessary documents, bank accounts, and proof of address often face delays and stringent requirements.

Impact on Refugee Wellbeing:

Short move-on periods and fragmented systems increase risks of homelessness and destitution for refugees.

The Cliff Edge: Time Pressure and Policy Gaps

Severe Time Constraints

Most refugees receive only 28 days to leave accommodation, creating intense pressure and a financial gap.

Policy Cliff Edge Effect

The abrupt move-on period creates a cliff edge instead of a smooth transition, causing crisis situations.

Impact of Inconsistent Extensions

Pilot extensions to 56 days were inconsistently applied, causing confusion and uneven support.

Need for Realistic Timelines

Aligning timeframes with housing, benefits, and administration is essential to reduce homelessness and support integration.

Housing Barriers and the Risk of Homelessness

Financial and Documentation Barriers

Many refugees cannot afford tenancy deposits or lack guarantors and rental references needed for housing.

Systemic Housing Market Challenges

Competition, landlord reluctance, and inadequate housing allowances restrict affordable housing options for refugees.

Consequences of Housing Instability

Housing instability leads to homelessness, poor health, limited employment, and difficulties integrating locally.

Need for Systemic Reform

Addressing housing barriers requires systemic reforms to support refugees during the move-on period effectively.

Administrative Delays and Documentation Challenges

Widespread Documentation Delays

Many individuals face month-long waits and errors in receiving crucial documents, disrupting essential services access.

Severe Consequences of Errors

Incorrect or misdirected paperwork prevents access to bank accounts, benefits, housing, and employment rights.

Link Between Delays and Homelessness

Delays in documents strongly correlate with increased homelessness among affected individuals during move-on periods.

Need for Improved Coordination

Better timing and accuracy in document issuance enable smoother transitions and reduce stress for recipients.

Lack of Information and Guidance After Status Is Granted

Information Gaps Post-Status

Many refugees lack clear understanding of their rights and available support immediately after status is granted.

Complex Official Communication

Government communications are often technical, English-only, and difficult to understand for refugees.

Reliance on Charities and Communities

Refugees depend heavily on charities and community organisations for guidance due to limited official support.

Need for Multilingual, Practical Guidance

Timely, simple, multilingual information on housing, benefits, and employment can reduce crises.

Language and Digital Exclusion as Structural Barriers

Language Barriers Impact

Limited English proficiency prevents many refugees from accessing essential support and understanding official communications.

Digital Exclusion Effects

Lack of access to digital devices and skills hinders refugees from navigating online-only welfare and housing systems.

Systemic Disadvantages

Assuming digital and language proficiency creates structural barriers, increasing risks of homelessness and exclusion.

Need for Support Measures

Early English classes, digital literacy training, and practical help are essential to reduce exclusion and improve integration

Employment Restrictions and Financial Insecurity

Barriers to Employment

Refugees often face work prohibitions and lack of experience, limiting their job market entry after status recognition.

Financial Insecurity Challenges

Delays in benefit access and documentation issues cause financial instability, forcing reliance on loans.

Interlinked Housing Difficulties

Lack of income and housing form a cycle that hinders employment and self-sufficiency for refugees.

Need for Early Work Access

Granting refugees earlier work rights and employment support can reduce homelessness and promote independence.

Human Impact: Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health Challenges

74 percent reported stress, anxiety, low confidence, and sleep difficulties linked to homelessness and instability.

Physical Health Effects

Housing instability also leads to physical exhaustion and illness, worsening overall wellbeing.

Emotional and Social Toll

Eviction, isolation, and uncertainty erode trust and strain family and community relationships.

Long-Term Integration Risks

Avoidable hardship during critical periods risks entrenching disadvantage and impeding recovery.

Solutions and the Case for Reform

Structured Move-On Period

Adopt a permanent 56-day move-on period aligned with realistic housing and benefits timelines for refugees.

Coordinated Support Systems

Strengthen coordination between government, local authorities, and voluntary organizations to prevent support gaps.

Accessible Guidance and Documentation

Provide multilingual, clear guidance and complete documentation at status decision to aid refugees’ next steps.

Empowerment through Work and Language

Lift work restrictions during asylum and invest in English classes and digital access to build resilience.