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.
How do I claim asylum in the UK?
Although UNHCR acknowledges and registers refugees in other countries, it is not the function of UNHCR UK to determine who is and is not given asylum in the UK. The Home Office (HO) of the United Kingdom (UK) is responsible for receiving and deciding on asylum claims in the the UK under the principles of the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. As a result, applications for asylum should be made officially to the UK HO.
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.
Can UNHCR give me legal advice?
UNHCR UK cannot give legal advice owing to limited resources. You may contact JMR Solicitors for legal advice regarding Asylum and Refuge in the UK.
Can UNHCR help me to resettle?
Refugee relocation is transferring refugees from the nation where they were first given asylum to another State that has agreed to welcome them as refugees and offer permanent residence.
In line with their standard operating procedures, UNHCR offices that register individuals for refugee status determination will also consider whether or not that individual is eligible for resettlement to a third country, such as the UK.
Want to claim asylum in the United Kingdom?
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.