Why Do Refugees Prefer Staying in France Over the UK?

The narrative often presented is that refugees flock to the UK due to its supposed generous social benefits. However, the reality on the ground in France presents a stark contrast to this perception. Here, we debunk the myth and explore the reasons why refugees actually prefer staying in France, despite facing hardships.

Refugee Perceptions and Misinformation

The truth is that many refugees have been brainwashed into believing that the UK offers a utopian environment where they can access housing, education, and healthcare without any challenges. In practice, this is far from the truth, as revealed in the experience of those who arrive in France.

These new arrivals find themselves left to fend for themselves, often living in tents and relying on corrupt charities. When it becomes clear that they will receive minimal support, refugees often opt to pay for illegal boat trips to England, where they believe they will have access to all the benefits and services they've been promised.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

It is crucial to address common misconceptions. For instance, the assumption that fewer refugees want to stay in France is incorrect. In reality, three times more refugees prefer to stay in France rather than the UK. This is evident from the growing trend of refugees from former British colonies and English-speaking individuals settling in France over the UK.

Why France Surpasses the UK in Terms of Welfare Security

France, like other northern European countries, has robust systems in place to prevent fraud and ensure the social welfare is utilized effectively. The ID card and address registration systems, along with organized means of combatting fraudulent welfare claims, make it much harder for refugees to exploit the system. The UK, on the other hand, lacks such mechanisms, making it easier to vanish once refugees have settled there.

An example of this is a recent incident where a “refugee” in Germany had to be jailed for claiming multiple social security payments under different names. Such practices are almost impossible in France, where the welfare system is designed to be foolproof against such schemes.

The True Appeal of France: Social Benefits and Work Opportunities

One of the main reasons refugees prefer France is the poorer social benefits they receive compared to the UK. While it might seem paradoxical, the lack of a rigid welfare system in France can be more beneficial. For instance, as a UK migrant, refugees can often receive a better living arrangement, either a hotel room or even a house. In France, they might at best receive a tent provided by a charity, with no other support.

Moreover, France has an ID card scheme that deters the use of undocumented labor. Employers who engage in such practices face significant fines or even bankruptcy. In contrast, the UK has a significant black market where it is much easier to find work, often with low wages and exploitative conditions. The penalties for employing undocumented labor in the UK are minimal and rarely enforced, making it a more attractive option for refugees seeking employment.

Personal Experience and Desperate Choices

As a personal insight, my father was a refugee who came to the UK to join his family. This desire to reunite with loved ones, even if it means crossing the channel and enduring extreme risks, is a common motivation for refugees. The alternative, in many cases, is not particularly appealing, and the lure of the UK's perceived benefits can drive individuals to make desperate choices.

In conclusion, the decision to stay in France over the UK is informed by the reality of the social welfare and employment market, rather than an over-romanticized version of what the UK represents. The UK's informal economy and loose welfare controls provide easier opportunities for refugees, but they come at a cost. For many, the structured and secure environment of France offers a more appealing alternative, despite the challenges they face.