Who are asylum seekers?
An asylum seeker is someone who has made a formal application for safety or 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 safety or 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 help and 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.
There are some national organisations that can help refugees and asylum seekers to access services:
To find your local doctor, dentist or optician see our healthcare page.
How can you apply for asylum?
When you enter the UK you must:
- declare your status to the immigration officer
- or apply for asylum in any European country.
Applications made since September 2000 are administered by the UK Border Agency 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.
East Sussex County Council