If you wish to stay in the UK as a refugee, you must have left your country and are unable to return there because of fear of persecution. You must also have failed to get protection from the authorities of your own country.
What are the reasons for Asylum and Political Refugees persecution?
Reasons for persecution:
- Religion
- Nationality
- Race
- Political opinion
- Membership of a social group that puts you at risk due to the cultural, social, political or religious situation in your country. For example, your sexuality, gender or gender identity.
What is UNHCR?
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a United Nations programme with the directive to protect refugee’s rights, forcibly exiled communities and stateless people, and help in their voluntary deportation, local integration or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR stands for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and was formed in 1950, during the repercussion of World War II.
How do I claim asylum in the UK?
While other countries in the world use the UNHCR recognises and registers refugees, it is not UNHCR UK’s responsibility to regulate who is and who is not granted asylum in the UK. It is the duty of the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office, to obtain and agree applications for asylum in this country under the terms of the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Therefore, applications for asylum must be presented directly to the UK Home Office.