Asylum in UK
At Human Rights Lawyer, we specialize in helping individuals seeking asylum in the UK. Navigating the UK’s asylum process can be complex, and our experienced team is here to assist with preparing your application, gathering necessary documentation, and representing you before the relevant authorities.
At Human Rights Lawyer, we specialize in helping individuals seeking asylum in the UK. Navigating the UK asylum process can be complex, and our experienced team is here to assist with preparing your application, gathering the necessary documentation, and representing you before the relevant authorities.
To remain in the UK as a refugee, an asylum seeker must prove that he or she can’t live safely in any part of their home country due to fear of persecution. If you’re stateless, this applies to the country where you usually reside.
This persecution must be due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or other factors like gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation, influenced by the social, cultural, religious, or political situation in your country. Additionally, you must have been unable to obtain protection from authorities in your country.
Legal Representation for Complex Asylum Claims
Our international humanitarian lawyers provide expert guidance through rigorous immigration court and asylum office procedures. We compile comprehensive country conditions research, substantiate well-founded fear parameters, and enforce non-refoulement principles to secure your legal status and safety.
When your claim might not be considered
Your asylum claim may not be considered in the UK if you:
– Are from an EU country.
– Traveled to the UK via a ‘safe third country’.
– Have ties to a safe third country where you could seek asylum.
A ‘safe third country’ is typically one where:
– You’re not a citizen.
– You wouldn’t face harm.
– You wouldn’t be sent to another country where you could face harm.
Asylum Statistics in UK
The Home Office publishes official asylum statistics every quarter, covering applications, initial decisions, appeals and resettlement. Because the figures change quickly, check the latest Immigration system statistics quarterly release on gov.uk.
What benefits do people seeking asylum get?
People seeking Asylum in the UK rely on government support while awaiting their application outcome. This support includes housing and a small allowance for essentials, starting from the screening.
Housing is provided, but the location isn’t chosen by asylum seekers. The cash allowance is currently £49.18 per person per week, or £9.95 if your accommodation provides meals, with additional support for pregnant women and mothers with infants. Children aged 5-17 can attend state school for free.
However, asylum support was designed as a short-term solution, which often becomes much longer due to extended waiting times.
How and where to claim asylum
Some individuals claim asylum upon arrival in the UK at ports such as airports, and train stations, or upon reaching the UK by sea. They inform immigration officials of their asylum claim and typically undergo a screening interview to collect basic information about their journey shortly thereafter.
If you don’t claim asylum when you arrive in the UK, you must book a screening appointment by calling the asylum registration appointment line. This applies to both adults and children. Do not attend an asylum registration location without an appointment.
Telephone: 0300 123 4193
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (check gov.uk for any changes)
For unaccompanied children, the welfare interview should be conducted locally. If you are an unaccompanied minor (under 18) or work with them, refer to our Young Asylum Guide for information on the asylum process for young people.
What is the asylum process in UK?
After claiming asylum, you will undergo a brief initial interview known as the Screening Interview, where basic information will be collected.
After your initial asylum interview, you will receive an Application Registration Card (ARC), an identity card with your photo that confirms your asylum claim. Learn more about ARC cards on the Home Office website.
Following the screening interview, you will undergo the substantive asylum interview where you must explain the reasons for your asylum claim. The waiting time between the screening and substantive interviews can vary significantly, ranging from several months to over a year.
After your Substantive Interview, the Home Office will assess your asylum claim and decide whether to grant you refugee status. The waiting period for this decision can be long, causing distress. If your claim is accepted, you will receive refugee status, possibly categorized as Group 1 or Group 2, or another immigration status.
Demand for immigration and asylum lawyers is high, so it is best to seek advice as early as possible. You can contact our asylum lawyers for consultation, assistance, or advice on obtaining asylum in the UK: via messenger or by mail or our contact form. We offer comprehensive support, including accompanying you to all authorities and providing expert legal advice throughout the procedure.
Asylum in UK FAQ
According to the Refugee Convention of 1951, a refugee is anyone who is forced to leave his or her country to escape war, violence, or persecution. Refugees have a well-founded fear of violence and persecution for reasons like religion, race, nationality, and political opinion.
After your asylum claim is refused, the Home Office will send you a letter instructing you to leave the UK. If you are single with no dependent children, the support from the Home Office will cease 21 days after your asylum claim is fully refused.