You must apply for asylum if you want to stay in the UK as a refugee and must be unable to go back to your country because you fear persecution.

You should apply when you arrive in the UK or as soon as you think it would be unsafe for you to return to your own country. Your application is more likely to be refused if you wait.

Claiming asylum in the UK is a fundamental right for individuals fleeing persecution or serious harm in their home country. The UK has legal obligations to consider and grant asylum to those who meet the criteria. 

If you need legal advice and assistance with your asylum claim, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Eligibility criteria

To stay in the UK as a refugee you must be unable to live safely in any part of your own country because you fear persecution there.

This persecution must be because of:

  • your race
  • your religion
  • your nationality
  • your political opinion
  • anything else that puts you at risk because of the social, cultural, religious or political situation in your country, for example, your gender, gender identity or sexual orientation

You must have failed to get protection from authorities in your own country.

Steps to claim asylum in the UK

  • Arrival in the UK
  • Screening Interview
  • Substantive Interview
  • Gathering Evidence
  • Decision
  • Appeals Process

Arrival in the UK

Upon arrival in the UK, individuals must inform immigration authorities that they wish to claim asylum. This can be done at the port of entry, immigration detention center, or any UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office.

Screening Interview

After registering their intention to claim asylum, individuals will undergo a screening interview. This interview aims to gather basic information about the individual's identity, family members, travel route, and reasons for seeking asylum.

Substantive Interview

If the initial screening indicates a credible fear of persecution, individuals will be scheduled for a substantive asylum interview. This interview is more detailed and allows individuals to provide comprehensive information and evidence to support their asylum claims.

Gathering Evidence

Individuals need to gather any relevant evidence to support their asylum claims, such as witness statements, medical reports, photographs, or documents demonstrating persecution or threats they have faced in their home country.

Decision

After the substantive interview, the Home Office will assess the asylum claim based on UK asylum law and international conventions. If the claim is approved, the individual will be granted refugee status and the right to remain in the UK. If the claim is refused, individuals have the right to appeal the decision.

Appeals Process

If the asylum claim is refused, individuals can appeal the decision to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). They may also seek legal representation to assist with their appeal.

What support is available for asylum seekers in the UK?

Asylum seekers may be eligible for accommodation and financial support while their asylum claim is being processed. They also have access to healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS) and may receive legal aid for legal representation.

How can immigration solicitors help with asylum claims?

Our immigration solicitors specialised in providing legal representation and support to asylum seekers. We can assist with preparing asylum claims, representing individuals during asylum interviews, and appealing decisions if necessary. We also provide guidance on human rights issues and legal options available to asylum seekers.

Contact UK immigration solicitors today

If you require expert legal advice or assistance with your asylum claim or human right application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.

To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.

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