Call for inquiry over asylum seeker who took own life after application refusal

A Swansea MP is calling for a full inquiry into the death of a 27-year-old asylum seeker whose application to stay in the UK was refused.

Eyob Tefera from Ethiopia took his own life last month after it was claimed he was made homeless, was unable to work and had no money to return home.

Swansea was declared a City of Sanctuary in 2010 and is home to a large number of people seeking refuge. It describes itself as a national movement 'committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.'

Geraint Davies MP has written to the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, stating that there were 'a number of institutional failures in the lead up to Eyob’s death'.

He claims Eyob's mental health deteriorated after his asylum application was refused by the Home Office.

People close to Eyob described him as 'becoming withdrawn and depressed' and his mental state worsened 'considerably' after the death of a friend.

In response, the Home Office said it provides support to help those with 'no lawful basis to remain to leave the UK with dignity'.