Global Perspective: Living in Limbo

No-one in the UK is more marginalised than those asylum seekers who have not had their applications accepted but have not yet been asked to leave.

This status might occur because their country of origin is too dangerous to return to and is a life in limbo that can last as long as eight years.

Failed asylum seekers have no rights to benefits, accommodation or work. They exist on the goodwill of others.

Collen thinks that his four years of asylum claims and appeals may be at an end, but is too frightened to return to Zimbabwe.

Thomas - from Eritrea - does not yet know if he can stay in the UK after originally claiming asylum seven years ago.

Jenny Cuffe investigates the impact of living in limbo on the lives of asylum seekers.

Living in Limbo is the second in this year's Global Perspective documentary series.

click Find out more about the Global Perspective documentary series.

First broadcast on BBC World Service 30 April 2010.