Claim Asylum in the UK

Claiming asylum in the UK is a process designed for individuals who are seeking protection because they have fled their own country and cannot return due to a fear of 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.

Eligibility for Asylum

You must apply for asylum if you want to stay in the UK as a refugee.

You may be eligible for asylum if you:

• Have left your country and are unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
• Face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Documents you must provide

You'll need documents for yourself and your dependants (partner and children under 18) for your asylum screening.

Documents you should bring (if you have them) include:

• passports and travel documents
• identification documents, for example identity cards, birth and marriage certificates or school records
• anything you think will help your application

If you're already in the UK, you and your dependants must bring documents that prove your UK address.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Steps to Claim Asylum

Arrival in the UK

You can claim asylum as soon as you arrive in the UK or after you have entered the country. It's important to do this as soon as possible.

Register Your Claim

If you claim asylum at the border (e.g., at an airport or port), inform a border official immediately.

If you are already in the UK, you need to register your claim by contacting the Home Office and scheduling an appointment to formally register your asylum claim.

Screening Interview

You will be invited to a screening interview at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office. During this interview, you will provide basic information about yourself and your journey to the UK.

You will also need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

Asylum Interview

You will later be invited to a substantive asylum interview, often called the "big interview." This is where you will provide detailed reasons for your asylum claim.

It is crucial to provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim (e.g., documents, witness statements, medical reports).

Decision

After the substantive interview, the Home Office will make a decision on your claim. This process can take several months.

Claiming asylum in the UK is a complex process that requires careful preparation and a clear presentation of your case. Understanding your rights and the steps involved can improve your chances of a successful application. If you need help with your Asylum claim, call us today at 0158 235 9990