Homeless Pages - Subject: Asylum seekers and refugees

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Asylum seekers and refugees

An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war, and who applies for refugee status. A person remains an asylum seeker while their application to the Home Office is being considered or the appeals on it are continuing.

Asylum seekers face homelessness and particular difficulties in getting accommodation. Changes in legislation in recent years have restricted their rights to public housing, welfare benefits and employment. The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 introduced new immigration controls and powers, and sweeping changes to the way asylum seekers are supported while they wait for a decision on their application.

Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, asylum seekers lost their entitlements to benefits or support under provisions of the National Assistance Act. Instead, the Home Office set up a new department called the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) to provide support for asylum seekers outside mainstream UK welfare services. Asylum seekers are supported by a system of vouchers and receive a small amount of cash each week. They are also being dispersed to cluster areas outside London to help ease pressure on services in South East England.

Refugee Council Information Service provides detailed information about the Act, claiming asylum and other aspects that affect asylum seekers. Homeless Pages also includes other resources on issues relating to asylum seekers and refugees, especially welfare benefits and housing issues.

Relevant Organisations:
Electronic Immigration Network
Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA)
JCWI (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants)
Refugee Action Group
Refugee Council
Scottish Refugee Council