The journey of seeking asylum in the United Kingdom is legally complex and can be an emotionally challenging and isolating experience. However, it is a path you do not have to walk alone. The UK has a system of support in place, provided by the government, legal professionals, and charitable organisations, designed to assist you from the moment you make your claim.
This comprehensive guide explains the different types of help available to you while your asylum claim is being considered. Understanding these support systems is crucial for your well-being and for the success of your application. While practical help is vital, the single most important support you can secure is expert legal representation to ensure your case for protection is presented in the strongest possible way.
The Most Critical Support: Expert Legal Representation for Your Asylum Claim
Your asylum claim is a complex legal case that will be decided based on how your personal testimony and evidence align with the strict definitions in UK and international law. Navigating this process without a specialist legal expert is incredibly difficult and significantly reduces your chances of success.
A qualified and experienced immigration solicitor or accredited asylum advisor is your most important ally. They are your advocate, your guide, and your protector throughout the process.
What an Expert Asylum Lawyer Will Do for You:
- Explain the Entire Asylum Process: We will demystify the complex stages, from your initial screening to your substantive interview and the appeals process, ensuring you understand what is happening at every step.
- Help You Prepare Your Case: We will work with you in a confidential and compassionate manner to understand your full story. We will help you gather the crucial evidence needed to support your claim, which can include country-specific reports, medical evidence, and witness statements.
- Prepare You for Your Substantive Interview: This is the most critical part of your claim. We will conduct extensive preparation sessions with you, ensuring you are ready to present your testimony clearly, accurately, and consistently.
- Provide Expert Representation: We will draft detailed legal arguments (representations) to the Home Office, expertly arguing how your case meets the legal definition of a refugee. We can attend your interviews with you and will represent you robustly at any subsequent appeal hearings before an independent judge.
Securing professional legal advice is the single most important investment you can make in your safety and your future.
Support for Your Well-being: Housing, Money, and Daily Life in the UK
While your legal case is being prepared, you may be entitled to practical support from the government to help you meet your basic living needs. This is known as ‘asylum support’.
- Eligibility: This support is not automatic. It is designed for asylum seekers who are ‘destitute’, meaning you have no money to buy food and no place to live. The Home Office will conduct a detailed assessment of your financial situation.
- When Does it Start? It is crucial to understand that asylum support can only begin after you have formally registered your asylum claim at a screening interview.
- What Does it Include?
- Housing: If you qualify, you will usually be provided with accommodation. This is often ‘no-choice’ housing, meaning you will be placed in a flat or house in a location decided by the Home Office, which could be anywhere in the UK.
- Financial Support: You may also receive a small weekly cash allowance loaded onto a payment card to cover essential living costs like food, toiletries, and travel.
Support from Charities and Voluntary Organisations:
Beyond government support, numerous charities and community groups across the UK offer invaluable help to asylum seekers. They can often assist with:
- Finding local English language (ESOL) classes.
- Enrolling your children into local schools.
- Providing clothing, food bank referrals, and community support.
- Helping you navigate dealings with various UK agencies.
An Alternative Option: Help with Returning Home
The UK government also operates schemes for individuals who choose to withdraw their asylum claim or whose claims have been finally refused and who wish to return to their country of origin. This is known as a ‘Voluntary Return’. These schemes can sometimes provide practical and financial assistance to help a person with their flight and re-establishment in their home country. This is a significant decision that should only be made after receiving full legal advice on your options.
Your Next Step: Secure the Right Support Today
Navigating the asylum system is a journey that requires strength, resilience, and, above all, expert guidance. While charities and government support can help with your daily life, the ultimate success of your claim for protection rests on the quality of your legal case.
Your safety is our priority. If you are in the UK and fear returning to your home country, contact our specialist team of asylum lawyers immediately for a confidential consultation. We are here to protect your rights and fight for your future.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.