How do you claim asylum in the UK?
You can claim asylum at a port of entry such as an airport, seaport, or the Channel Tunnel terminal, or by attending a Home Office screening unit in the UK such as the Asylum Intake Unit in Croydon. You must claim as soon as possible on arrival. Under the Refugee Convention 1951 you have the right to seek asylum regardless of how you entered the UK.
What happens at a screening interview?
The screening interview is an initial meeting with the Home Office to record your basic details, travel route, and reasons for claiming asylum. It is not the substantive interview. You will be fingerprinted and photographed. You will receive an Application Registration Card (ARC) showing you have claimed asylum.
What is the substantive asylum interview?
The substantive interview is where you explain in detail why you are unable to return to your country. It may last several hours. You have the right to an interpreter. You should bring all relevant documents including identity documents, evidence of persecution, and country of origin information. A legal representative or adviser can accompany you.
What support is available while an asylum claim is pending?
If you are destitute, you can apply for asylum support under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. This provides accommodation (which may be in any part of the UK) and a weekly cash allowance of £49.18 per person (2024 rate) to cover essential living needs. You can apply using form ASF1.
Can asylum seekers work in the UK?
Asylum seekers cannot work in the UK until their claim has been pending for 12 months through no fault of their own. After 12 months you can apply to the Home Office for permission to work, but only in shortage occupation roles as listed on the Immigration Salary List. This restriction is stricter than in many other European countries.
What happens if my asylum claim is refused?
If your claim is refused you will normally receive a notice of refusal explaining the reasons. You usually have 14 days to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) if you are not detained, or 5 working days if you are detained. Legal aid is available for asylum appeals through Legal Aid Agency contracted providers.
What is humanitarian protection and how is it different from refugee status?
Humanitarian protection is granted to people who do not meet the strict Refugee Convention definition but who face a real risk of serious harm if returned, such as torture, inhuman treatment, or serious indiscriminate violence. It provides a period of limited leave to remain in the UK and can lead to settlement after five years.
What is leave to remain and how long is it granted for?
If your asylum or humanitarian protection claim is successful you will be granted leave to remain in the UK, usually for five years initially. After five years you may apply for indefinite leave to remain. Refugee status gives you the right to live and work in the UK, access public funds, and travel on a UK Travel Document for Refugees.
Which organisations can help asylum seekers in the UK?
The Refugee Council provides advice, support, and advocacy for asylum seekers and refugees across England. UNHCR has an office in the UK and monitors asylum procedures. Migrant Help (0808 8010 503) provides free advice and assistance to asylum seekers. Many law centres provide free legal advice for asylum cases.
How does uplaw.ai help with asylum applications in the UK?
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