|
This
section explains:
-
who
may be given asylum in the United Kingdom;
-
how
we process applications for asylum;
-
what
an asylum applicant can expect while we consider the
application; and
-
what
happens after our decision has been made.
The
United Kingdom has a proud tradition of providing a
place of safety for genuine refugees. However, we are
determined to refuse protection to those who do not need
it and will take steps to remove those who are found to
have made false claims.
Asylum
is protection given by a country to someone who is
fleeing persecution in their own country. It is given
under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the
Status of Refugees. To be recognised as a refugee, you
must have left your country and be unable to go back
because you have a well-founded fear of persecution.
The
United Kingdom also adheres to the European Convention
on Human Rights, which prevents us sending someone to a
country where there is a real risk they will be exposed
to torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
If you
do not qualify for asylum but we think there are
humanitarian or other reasons why we should allow you to
stay in the United Kingdom, we may give you temporary
permission to remain here.
In
2007, 19 out of every 100 people who applied for asylum
were recognised as refugees and given asylum. Another
nine out of every 100 who applied for asylum but did not
qualify for refugee status were given permission to stay
for humanitarian or other reasons. (At the time these
figures were published, 17 in every 100 applications had
not yet resulted in a final decision.)
For
more information on the number of asylum applications we
receive and their outcomes, read the asylum statistics
in Immigration facts and figures.
We now
aim to conclude all new asylum applications within six
months. This means that within six months:
-
a
successful applicant will start integration into life
in the United Kingdom; or
-
an
unsuccessful applicant will return home, either
voluntarily or by enforced removal.
|
