Seeking asylum

The definition of an asylum seeker, or someone seeking asylum, is a person who has left their country, often suddenly, because they are faced with persecution, war or violence and cannot get protection there. Once an asylum seeker has been officially granted asylum, they are then legally recognised as a refugee. 

The Home Office provides accommodation for asylum seekers who are destitute.  The Government’s policy of asylum dispersal means that local authority areas across the UK each play a part.   

Councils receive little funding for their work with people seeking asylum.  As such they rely heavily on the support of voluntary organisations and charities.  With a few exceptions, people seeking asylum cannot work and they cannot claim benefits while their claim is being processed.   

Additional information: 

To claim asylum in the UK a person must be physically in the UK – a person cannot obtain a visa with the explicit purpose of seeking asylum.  

Claim asylum in the UK: Overview – GOV.UK  

The Home Office have published an Asylum Central Communications Hub (ACCH) Webpage. Which can be accessed here. The page provides email templates which can be used when contacting ACCH, to ensure all the necessary information is captured to enable them to progress your query. As well as providing any relevant links to guidance on navigating certain scenarios, and any relevant alternative email addresses.

Support for people seeking asylum:

Migrant Help are the Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility (AIRE) provider appointed by the Home Office. They are a charity separate from the Home Office offering independent advice. If you need information about your support, to report an issue, or to tell the Home Office about a change in your circumstances, you should contact Migrant Help by phone on 0808 8010 503, webchat at https://ellis.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch or Raise an Issue at https://ellis.custhelp.com/app/ask

Organisations supporting people seeking asylum in Devon:

Useful Links