Seeking Asylum in the UK
If remaining in your own country poses a real risk to your life, it may be that you need to seek asylum in a safe country such as the UK. It is important to speak with an experienced asylum law solicitor as this is a complex area of law that is often changing and being updated. Our solicitors are dedicated to helping you with your situation and helping you understand your situation.The British Government states that claiming asylum in the UK is a legal right and this means anyone that is persecuted, or has a real fear that they may be persecuted for whatever reason, is able to live safely and legally in Britain. However it is a highly complicated area of law. It is important that you know how and when to make your application. If you do not it may affect your right to remain in the country. You should provide evidence that complies with certain international law and this includes evidence that your fear of persecution is well-founded.
Our solicitors will work closely with you and make sure that they fully understand your needs. It is important that your solicitor knows how best to assist you and that they explain the legal process to you as well. They will help you when it comes to building your case and they will ensure that you comply with the process and strict time frames involved.
Should your application be declined our experienced asylum solicitors are able to help you consider an appeal. During this process we will make certain you are advised on other things such as the right to work and accommodation.
You need to apply for asylum as soon as you arrive in the UK. If you are already in the UK (e.g. as a student or visitor) you need to apply as soon as you think you will be at risk of persecution if you return to your country. Waiting to apply can count against your application.
Eligibility
For you to be recognised as a refugee, you must you need to have left the country you are a national of, or if you are stateless, then the country you usually live in.
You need to be unable to go back because you fear persecution and be unable to live safely in another part of the country that you have left. You must also have failed to get protection from authorities in the country you left.
This persecution needs to be because of your: race, religion, nationality or political opinion. Or because you have membership of a particular social group that puts you at risk because of the social, cultural, religious or political situation in your country e.g. your gender, gender identity, sexual orientation.
You are able to include members of your family in your application, providing they are with you in the UK, your partner or children under the age of 18.
Screening
You officially register your asylum claim at a screening. You should do this when you arrive at the UK border, but you can also be screened once you are in the UK if your circumstances change after your arrival.Asylum screening unit appointments line
Telephone: 020 8196 4524
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm
Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Where to go
The asylum screening unit is in Croydon, near London.
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY