This information booklet contains important details about claiming asylum in the United Kingdom and explains what to expect during the asylum process. It is split into 4 sections and begins by stating that ‘The Home Office is responsible for considering asylum claims. Throughout the asylum process you will be treated with respect, dignity and fairness regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief.’
Section 1 covers the following key areas:
- Claiming Asylum
- What is asylum?
- ‘Inadmissible’ claims
- Claiming with or as a dependant
- Apply to stay in the UK as stateless person
- Your rights and responsibilities while claiming asylum
- How to claim asylum?
A claim should only be made if there is a genuine fear of persecution if you were to return to your country, under the qualifying grounds. In the initial claim, family members and dependent children must be included as once a decision is made on your case, they cannot be added. The home office will take into careful consideration the need to promote safety and welfare of children in the UK when it comes to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Stateless individuals may have permission to stay if they meet the requirements. This booklet also emphasises the importance of making a claim at the soonest possible opportunity , the importance of cooperation, and provides specific information about the Croydon intake Unit (CIU) and how to get in contact. It also mentions that not all parts covered I the Illegal Migration Act 2023 have come into action. Thus, there may be implications for those who applied for asylum after 6 March 3023. Once all parts of this act come into action, changes will be made to this booklet.
Section 2 covers the following key areas:
- The asylum process
- Registration and screening
- Substantive asylum interview
- Asylum decision
- Possible outcomes
This section emphasises the importance of complying with all stages of the asylum process and that failure to attend the asylum interview without a valid reason or update your current contact details may result in your asylum claim being treated as withdrawn. This booklet also lists the essential documents for the registration appointment and provides guidance on security checks, fingerprinting, the interview processes, possible outcomes and the waiting times for decisions.
Section 3 covers the following key areas:
- Asylum support
- Financial and accommodation support
This section explains the financial and housing support available to asylum seekers in the UK during their claims process. A nonprofit organisation called Migrant Help can help you with applications and situational adjustments. You will have to complete a form during this period to find out if you are eligible for support. If it’s accepted that you meet the requirements for accommodation and financial support, you will receive Section 95 support and will wait for longer-term accommodation. Pregnant women and small children receive extra support as well. You don’t have a choice over where you stay but it’s crucial to notify them of any changes in your circumstances. Withholding any information could have negative consequences on your asylum claim.
Section 4 covers the following key areas:
- Useful information
- Getting advice and assistance
- Living and working in the UK
- Reporting crime and emergency numbers
- Complaints
This section explains the assistance and advice offered to asylum seekers. Migrant Help Asylum Services offer round-the-clock independent advice on various asylum-related issues. Legal aid can be sought from organisations like the Legal Aid Agency. Support for physical and mental health is available through the NHS and other organisations like Refugee Action. There are also contacts for children and young people, tracing families, and assistance for victims of modern slavery, torture, gender-based violence, and Female Genital Mutilation. Details on living and working in the UK, criminal behaviour consequences, smoking bans, driving laws, and healthcare entitlements are also outlined. Information on emergency services, reporting crime, harassment, domestic violence, and the complaints procedure is also provided.
If you have any queries or require support with your asylum claim, or any other immigration matter, please feel free to contact Lumine Solicitors on 020 3950 2246 or Contact Us HERE
