NWREN - North Wales Race Equality Network

Asylum Seekers

Every person has the right to live free from persecution, or the fear of persecution, based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion . “When governments fail to protect these rights, people have the right to move to a country that will protect them. This is the right to asylum” .

An asylum applicant is a person who claims that it would be contrary to the United Kingdom's obligations under the United Nations Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees for him to be removed from or required to leave the United Kingdom. All such cases are referred to in these Rules as asylum applications.

All asylum applications will be determined by the Secretary of State in accordance with the United Kingdom's obligations under the United Nations Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Every asylum application made by a person at a port or airport in the United Kingdom will be referred by the Immigration Officer for determination by the Secretary of State in accordance with these Rules.

If you are thinking about or in the process of seeking asylum the following links may be of use.

Links

(NWREN is not responsible for the content of these external sites)

Non Governmental Organisations

Asylumlaw.org

This is a website run by an international consortium of agencies that help asylum seekers.

The Refugee Council

This is the largest organisation in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees. They not only give help and support, but also work with asylum seekers and refugees to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.

Health for Asylum Seekers and Refugees Portal

This is an extensive site with information and links to health related topics for asylum seekers and professionals working with them.

Immigration Advisory Service

IAS is a leading charity giving a free legal advice and representation service to immigrants and asylum seekers. IAS gives free advice and assistance on all immigration, asylum and nationality issues to persons in the UK and abroad eligible for Legal Help and Controlled Legal Representation and they present appeals against refusal decisions for all who have a right of appeal. They can take cases to the higher courts by way of appeal and judicial review.

EIN

is a voluntary sector organisation specialising in the provision of information on immigration and refugee law via the Internet, particularly in the United Kingdom and Europe.

The Immigration Law Practitioners' Association

The Immigration Law Practitioners' Association was established in 1984 by a group of leading UK immigration practitioners to: - promote and improve the advising and representation of immigrants - provide information to members on domestic and European immigration, refugee and nationality law - secure a non-racist, non-sexist, just and equitable system of immigration, refugee and nationality law

UK Government Contacts

Immigration & Nationality Directorate

are responsible for Immigration Control. They also consider applications for permission to stay, citizenship and asylum. This website will help you to understand UK Immigration control and what your rights and responsibilities are when you make an application

The National Asylum Support Service (NASS)

consider whether an applicant and their dependants meet the test of destitution as set out in the legislation and then to what extent support should be provided. If NASS refuse to provide support or, after they have been providing support, NASS decide to stop or withdraw it, an asylum seeker can appeal against their decision.

Legal Services Commission

Look after legal aid in England and Wales. They are also responsible for ensuring that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide range of everyday problems

The Foreign and Common Office

This website provides a list of embassies and consulates in the UK and their contact details.

Any suggestions of websites you find interesting would be gratefully received! Just contact us and let us know