A report into immigration for Good Morning Britain has produced a furious backlash on social media. Reporter Jonathan Swain visited Nuneaton where he spoke to asylum seekers and local residents.
Mr Swain interviewed one asylum seeker called Mohammed, who invited him into the house he shares with seven other men after they were moved from a hotel. Mohammed explained he had been given his clothing by the hotel and, speaking through a translation app, he said despite speaking French he had no desire to stay in France. Originally from Guinea in Africa, he said he gets treated better in the UK as he gets money every week and a house to sleep in.
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According to the UK Government website, asylum seekers are eligible for a number of benefits while their applications are being assessed.
These include somewhere to live, as well as cash support, healthcare and education. Asylum seekers are entitled to normally receive £49.18 per week for each person in their household.
Pregnant women and mothers with children aged three or under are also eligible for extra money to buy healthy food. The amount they are entitled to depends on their situation. Expectant mothers are also allowed to apply for a one-off £300 maternity payment if their baby is due in 11 weeks or less. Mothers with children under 6 months old can also apply for the benefit.
Asylum seekers are additionally entitled to free healthcare on the NHS and free education at a state school for any child aged between 5 to 17 years old.
