Hundreds of asylum seekers in Scotland, including children and pregnant women, are being left completely destitute with no support and nowhere to live, and yet they have no way of returning home safely, according to Scottish refugee charities.

The European Commission has adopted a communication on "Enhanced intra-EU solidarity in the field of asylum" which seeks to reinforce practical, technical and financial cooperation, move towards a better allocation of responsibilities and an improved governance of the asylum system, and to contribute to the finalisation of the "Common European Asylum System" (CEAS) by 2012 (a deadline set by the Stockholm Programme).

The European Parliament has approved the Commission's proposal to amend the Qualification Directive which will enhance the rights granted to refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection in the EU. The Directive guarantees uniform rights when it comes to health care and access to the labour market.