Refugee Protection

To stay in the UK as a refugee, you must apply for asylum. To be eligible, you must have left your home country and be unable to return because you fear persecution due to factors such as your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group.

You should apply for asylum as soon as you arrive in the UK, or as soon as you believe it would be unsafe for you to return to your country. Delaying your application may negatively affect your claim and could increase the likelihood of it being refused.

The United Kingdom has obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention to provide protection to individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin or habitual residence.

To qualify for refugee status in the UK, you must show that you face persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. The fear of persecution must be genuine, well-founded, and relate to your situation if returned to your country.

If you cannot be returned to your country of origin because of a risk to your life or safety — even if you do not meet the full definition of a refugee — you may be eligible for Humanitarian Protection instead. This applies in cases where there is a real risk of serious harm, including serious and individual threats to life as a result of armed conflict.

Asylum claims must generally be made in the UK as soon as reasonably practicable. Delays in claiming asylum can affect the credibility of your application and must be explained clearly. The Home Office will consider all the evidence and conduct a substantive interview.

Preparing for an asylum interview is extremely important. The outcome can determine whether you are granted protection or face removal. Legal representation significantly improves the outcome of these cases.

At Terence Ray Solicitors, we provide compassionate and expert representation to asylum seekers. We understand the high stakes involved and will work hard to ensure your case is presented as clearly and compellingly as possible.

Speak to us on 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.