Article: Asylum seekers and migrant workers advice and support services Article Body Barnsley Council works with the Home Office to assist with the UK's international commitments regarding those fleeing from persecution by taking asylum seekers into managed properties throughout Barnsley Borough. This work is on behalf of, and in contract with, the Home office. Funding for this humanitarian work comes entirely and directly from Central Government, there are no cost implications for local tax payers.> Asylum seekers are not, generally, permitted to work to support themselves, instead they rely on payments worth only 70% of income support issued by the Home Office. Their stay in Barnsley is managed and monitored by a dedicated council team, in partnership with other local organisations. Refugees are people whose application for asylum have been successful and are allowed to stay in another country, having proved that they need protection and would face persecution at home. Refugees are allowed to work, they have to pay taxes and apply for welfare benefits in the same way as other UK residents. After receiving permission to stay in this country, a refugee must leave their temporary asylum accommodation and find and pay for their own housing or queue up on the council housing waiting list, just like UK citizens. Migrant workers are people born outside the UK who have come to the UK specifically to find or take up work. They are required to pay taxes and so are entitled to the same services as others in the community. People are entitled to come to this country for work but in many cases they are not entitled to any other financial benefits unless they have worked continually for 12 months or have been here for at least 2 years. Support for Asylum Seekers For further advice and information on any issues relating to asylum and migration, please contact Barnsley Asylum and Migration Service. The team are based at Wellington House, a duty drop-in service is available Monday to Friday between 1 pm and 4 pm. There is also a 24 hour, 365 day emergency service in operation. The team can advise you about: Accommodation Housing options Support If you require accommodation and support whilst your asylum claim is processed, you must make your claim for asylum within a few days from arriving in the UK. You should contact the UK Borders Agency at Liverpool or Leeds. If you have not done this you may be prevented from accessing the UK Borders Agency. If you are an asylum seeker waiting for a decision on your claim, then the company providing your accommodation can help you to get services that you need. In Barnsley these companies are: Barnsley Council United Property Management Priority Properties North West Ltd. If you have leave to remain in the UK, you have the same entitlements as other residents in the UK. If you need this information translating into another language, please contact 01226 775656 Useful Telephone Numbers Barnsley Asylum Team 01226 787361 Out of Hours Service 01226 787361 Homelessness and Housing Advice 01226 773870 Useful Links Migration Yorkshire Working in partnership with national and local government, this web site has a wealth of information regarding migration. Berneslai Homes Berneslai Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation responsible for managing 19,500 homes on behalf of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Citizens Advice Welfare rights - advice Information regarding claiming benefits. The following voluntary organisations provide opportunities to meet up with other new arrivals in Barnsley: BRASS (Barnsley Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support) meet each Monday afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at the YMCA building behind the main post office. BBEMI (Barnsley Black & Ethnic Minority Initiative) telephone 01226 320131 MARCO (Migrant Asylum Refugee Community Organisation) meet each Wednesday afternoon between 12pm and 3pm at Quaker House, Western Street (just off Huddersfield Road). For more information, please telephone 07865306523 or email marco@yahoo.co.uk English Language Classes ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are available in Barnsley at several locations: Barnsley College, Old Mill Lane Site Telephone 0845 201 3672 BRASS - details as above The Eldon Centre, Eldon Street Telephone 01226 775270/5271 Barnsley Library Service has books and resources available for speakers of other languages which may be loaned or accessed at many service points, please contact the Central Library for further details. Telephone 01226 773933 or email barnsleylibraryenquiries@barnsley.gov.uk For further information regarding ESOL classes, please contact Anne Marie Holdsworth on 01226 775287 or email her at annemarieholdsworth@barnsley.gov.uk Our Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.