Asylum seekers
Who are asylum seekers?
An asylum seeker is someone who has made a formal application for asylum/protection in the UK, and is awaiting a decision about their status. If their application is accepted, they become a refugee.
By law, anyone has the right to apply for asylum/protection and remain in the UK until a decision on their application has been made.
What is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. The definition comes from the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
What services are available?
If you are an asylum seeker waiting for your application to be considered, you are eligible to receive a number of services. These include access to local doctors, dentists, opticians, schools and adult social care. You may also receive subsistence benefits and accommodation subject to criteria. To find your local doctor, dentist or optician see our pages on healthcare.
How can asylum be applied for?
When you enters the UK you must:
- declare your status to the immigration officer
- or apply for asylum in any European country.
In 2000, Adult social care set up an Asylum Seeker team to help the Home Office process applications. This team deals with specialist services and support for adult asylum seekers who were destitute, and who applied for refugee status on or before 29 August 2000.
Applications made since September 2000 are administered by
The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) which is part of the Home Office. If you are an asylum seeker, you should contact this office for further information about applying for asylum. If you need support you can contact the
Refugee Council.
