The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word REFUGEES
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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The straight part
We know that "they’re struggling away from home" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they’re struggling away from home = refugees.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does REFUGEES mean?
REFUGEES noun- A person seeking refuge in a foreign country out of fear of political persecution or the prospect of such persecution in their home country, i.e., a person seeking political asylum.
- A person seeking refuge due to a natural disaster, war, etc.
- A person formally granted political or economic asylum by a country other than their home country.
- (by extension) A person who flees one place or institution for another.
- To convey (slaves) away from the advance of the federal forces.