Asylum and Immigration

An Asylum Seeker is someone who comes to the UK and requests asylum because they fear persecution if they return to their own country because of race, religion, political opinions.

Requests forn asylum are dealt with by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (part of the Home Office):

If a person is granted Refugee Status they are granted Indefinite Leave To stay and have the same rights as other UK citizens.

If an application is refused the person has the right to appeal. Once the appeal routes are exhausted they are expected to leave. 

A person who does not qualify for Refugee Status may be granted Humanitarian Protection Status (if they are likely to face death or torture if they returned home), Discretionary Leave to Remain (to keep a family together, for medical grounds or if they are an unaccompanied asylum seeker under 16 years).

Depending on their situation Asylum seekers are supported in one of three ways:

• The National Asylum Support Services (NASS) provides support and accommodation to Asylum Seekers applying after April 2000. They determine where in the UK the applicant lives
• Applicants applying before April 2000 are supported through Welfare Benefits or from the Council.
• Unaccompanied minors seeking asylum are supported by Social Services.

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