The Scottish Government has scrapped plans to provide free bus travel for asylum seekers.

People who are barred from working under UK immigration rules were due to get free bus access during a pilot scheme by the end of this financial year.

However today while speaking at an event to mark the launch of the Scottish Government's new refugee integration strategy, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the plans had been ditched.

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The move has sparked outrage with Labour MSP for Glasgow Paul Sweeney calling the u-turn “shameful” as some asylum seekers live on just “£1.36 per day”.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter he said: “It is extremely disappointing that, following a hard-cross party and third sector campaign, the Scottish Government have broken their promise to extend free bus travel to those seeking asylum here in Scotland.

“Additionally, it is beyond shameful to do so on the day the Scottish Government launch their New Scots Integration strategy - free bus travel for asylum seekers is one of the most impactful interventions that has been proven to make a huge difference to people seeking asylum here in Scotland.

“People in the asylum system, some of whom have to live on as little as £1.36 per day and are denied the right to work or access social security, are choosing between food or transport.

“They have been anticipating support since it was announced last October and have now been badly let down by the Scottish Government.

“We won’t give up on realising this important intervention.”

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Refugee Sanctuary Scotland posted on social media: “Due to the announcement this morning by the Equalities Minister, RSS are saddened to hear of the cancellation of the £2 million fund allocated to free travel for asylum seekers.

“The announcement advises that this decision was made as a result of budget constraints.”

“We appreciate that this news will be very difficult to process throughout the community.

“However, we remain committed to providing free travel for asylum seekers and we will continue to explore further options available to us.”

In a statement posted on Twitter/X, Maryhill Integration Network said: “We are extremely disappointed with the announcement by the Scottish Government to scrap the commitment to implement the free bus travel pilot scheme for people seeking asylum in Scotland.

“This news comes as a shock to all of us who have tirelessly provided information and campaigned to make this possible since December 2021.

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“As third sector organisations who have been providing direct support to the most vulnerable in our communities, we know that having free bus travel would have a positive impact by providing support and connection with others, as well as allowing access to education, advice and advocacy.

“People in the asylum process cannot work, cannot access public funds and some live on as little as £1.36 per day.

“It's devastating to receive this news at a time when we and our members are joining the celebration of the New Scots Integration Strategy delivery plan launch where transport is a key element.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: "A disgraceful U-turn by the Scottish Government.
"Asylum seekers are among the most marginalised and alienated people in our society.
"The promise of free bus travel was literally a lifeline.

"With no access to work, little money to live on and stuck in hotels, free bus travel was a ray of hope."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government is having to make very difficult decisions to deliver balanced and sustainable spending plans for the 2024-25 financial year, therefore it is unaffordable to progress piloting free bus travel for all people seeking asylum in Scotland.

“People seeking asylum in Scotland who are currently eligible for free bus travel through the National Concessionary Travel Schemes, including those under 22 and over 60 years of age and those with disabilities, will continue to be able to make use of their entitlement.

“We remain committed to supporting people seeking asylum, refugees and communities through the New Scots refugee integration strategy approach.

"We want to work collaboratively with the UK Government to contribute ideas that build on shared priorities and where possible provide evidence of impacts and needs.

"By working together and sharing learning, there is great potential for tangible improvements to be made for refugees and people seeking asylum living in the UK.”