Sometimes, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of their race, nationality, religion or membership of a particular social group or political opinion people flee their countries. In the UK, asylum is granted under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. To be recognised as a refugee a person should have left their country and unable to go back because they have a well-founded fear of persecution.
The UK is also a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights. This means the UK is prevented from sending anyone to a country where there is a real risk they will be subject or exposed to torture, or inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.
Where an applicant does not qualify for asylum, they may still be given temporary permission to stay in the UK if there are humanitarian or other reasons why they should be allowed to remain.
At Tamsons Legal Services, we will offer you a sympathetic ear and comprehensive advice on the procedure and process of making an asylum application.