Seeking asylum
Advice
If you intend on living in the UK as a refugee, you must seek asylum.
To be eligible, you must
- Have fled your country of residence;
- Be unable to return due to a fear of persecution, this can be because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or any other grounds; and
- Have failed to receive protection from the authorities in your own country.
You have a choice to claim asylum on entry into the UK or at a later date when you consider it to be unsafe to return to your country. The Home Office may use any delays against you, so it is best to apply as soon as you can.
The process is initiated when you register your claim by notifying an immigration official at the border/airport or by calling the Asylum Intake Unit (AIU) on 0300 123 4193. You will then have a screening with an immigration officer, where you explain to them your case. The officer will ask you basic questions regarding your name, date of birth, nationality, religion, the reason for claiming asylum and journey to the UK. This is to determine whether the UK should consider your claim.
If you have experienced any sexual or domestic violence or torture, it is best to mention this during the screening, however, you do not need to go into detail until a later stage. If you require an interpreter, one will be provided for you. The most important part of this interview is for you to make sure you explain to the officer why the country you are leaving is unsafe for you, even if it is safe for others.
A substantive interview will follow. This is not immediately after the screening interview, so you will need to ensure you have a place to stay and money to support yourself. As an asylum seeker, you are entitled to asylum support, if you are unable to do this you will be placed in temporary accommodation and given a small allowance. If you wish to rely on this support, you should inform the Home Office when you register your claim.
The substantive interview is far more in-depth and will assess your reasons for claiming asylum. You will be asked lots of questions, with the same question being asked in different ways. The interview can last hour’s and is often stressful. It can be difficult but stay calm and remember that you are entitled to request a break at any time. You may request a male or female interviewer/interpreter if you do not feel comfortable, or are worried about, sharing certain details. It is also helpful to keep a copy of and go over, your screening interview record to ensure you are not contradicting yourself.
You will receive a decision from the home office within 6 months of this interview. If you are denied asylum, you have the right to appeal to a tribunal. If you are granted asylum, you will be given refugee status or humanitarian protection. This means you and your dependents will be granted leave to remain, meaning you have permission to stay in the UK for 5 years, after which you may apply to settle. Until you settle, you will have the right to work, study, claim benefits, access mainstream housing and apply for a family reunion.
How we can help
To receive our assistance, you will need to create a case by clicking on the link at the top of this page, activated by the link at the top of the page, should you wish to start a case the caseworker will send you the suitable payment link. Additional funds will be required if you need to incur costs such as taxi fares, upfront costs for your preferred “safehouse” and so on.
Please note your caseworker can only give generic advice, their role is to prepare your details for handling by our legal team and to act as your point of contact, they will also issue you with your Password and PIN, these will be needed to log onto your client dashboard. From your dashboard you will be able to manage and view every aspect of your case, upload documents, images, files etc.