Who Can Seek Refuge?

In recent years, the global refugee crisis has brought to light uncomfortable truths about how Western nations approach asylum seekers—truths that reveal a deep-rooted racial bias. Nowhere is this more evident than in the stark difference between the treatment of Ukrainian refugees and those fleeing conflict from the Middle East. 

In Britain, the response to Ukrainian refugees has been overwhelmingly welcoming, while refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and other war-torn regions in the Middle East have faced a far more hostile reception. When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, the images of Ukrainian families fleeing destruction were broadcast worldwide. The West, Britain included, responded swiftly and generously. The British government launched the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme, which allowed individuals to sponsor Ukrainian refugees, providing them with shelter and support. Communities rallied to donate food, clothing, and essentials. Schools and public services adapted to accommodate the sudden influx of displaced Ukrainians, and there was a visible sense of solidarity with these European neighbors in their time of crisis.

Contrast this with the experience of refugees from the Middle East. Over the past decade, wars in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan have forced millions to flee their homes. While many sought refuge in Europe, the reception they received in Britain was markedly different. Rather than welcoming these refugees with open arms, the British government implemented stringent policies designed to limit their entry. The hostile environment policy, which aimed to reduce immigration, has made it increasingly difficult for refugees from the Middle East to find safety in the UK. Many were held in detention centers, denied asylum, or faced lengthy, dehumanizing processes before being allowed to stay. Public sentiment, influenced by media portrayals of Middle Eastern refugees as potential security threats or economic burdens, has often been far less sympathetic.

This disparity in treatment is not merely political; it is deeply racial. Ukrainian refugees, who are largely white and Christian, fit more comfortably within the Western, Eurocentric perception of who deserves refuge. The media, government, and general public in Britain have often framed Ukrainians as “people like us,” reinforcing a sense of cultural and racial familiarity that fosters compassion. Meanwhile, refugees from the Middle East, who are more likely to be Muslim and non-white, are frequently viewed through the lens of “otherness.” This perception fuels fear, suspicion, and a reluctance to extend the same level of empathy or assistance.

The racial bias becomes even more evident when examining public and political discourse. Ukrainians were quickly embraced as victims of an unjust war, while Middle Eastern refugees have often been painted as part of a broader problem, tied to concerns about terrorism, religious extremism, or the economic strain on public services. This dehumanizing narrative strips refugees from the Middle East of their individual stories, reducing them to stereotypes that hinder their ability to find safety and rebuild their lives.

It is essential to acknowledge that both groups are fleeing war, violence, and destruction—yet only one seems to be welcomed as deserving of refuge. The Ukrainian crisis has revealed the capacity for Western nations to act with compassion and generosity toward refugees. However, it also underscores the painful reality that this compassion is too often reserved for those who fit within a narrow, racialized definition of belonging. To build a truly fair and humane refugee system, we must confront this bias head-on; refugees—whether from Ukraine, Syria, or Afghanistan—are all human beings, equally deserving of dignity, safety, and the chance to rebuild their lives.