Seeking asylum

The national government sets immigration policies and adjudicates (decides on) the acceptance of individuals seeking asylum as refugees. The Home Office and the UK Visas and Immigration Department (UKVI) determine legal residency in the UK. The Home Office also manages housing for asylum seekers ('contingency and dispersal accommodations') and helps asylum seekers with their needs while their claims are under review.

The local council is not responsible for accommodating asylum seekers. However, people who are recognised as refugees can get support from their local council. Councils only get a small amount of funding to help people seeking asylum in the UK. This means that we often depend a lot on the help of voluntary organisations and charities.

In most cases, people seeking asylum are unable to work or access benefits while their claims are still under review. However, there are dedicated organisations that may be able to offer support for asylum seekers.
 

If you have been granted a positive decision from the Home Office, please contact our Housing Duty line to discuss how we may be able to help you with housing support.

You can speak to an officer by calling 01635 519 530 and choosing option 2. Our hours of service are: Monday to Thursday - 8.30am to 5pm, Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm. For more information please visit our housing support and advice webpages.

Understanding the difference between refugees and asylum seekers

Asylum seekers and refugees in the UK both seek protection but have a different legal status.

An 'asylum seeker' is someone who has arrived in the UK and has then applied for asylum but is waiting for their application to be decided.

Someone is a 'refugee' if their application has been successful. Refugees have protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention due to a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.

Organisations in West Berkshire supporting refugees and people seeking asylum

West Berkshire Action for Refugees (WBAR) are a dedicated local charity that organise and help local initiatives that support refugees and migrants.

They support the short and long-term resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in West Berkshire. They work alongside other agencies, such as local government, other charitable organisations, schools and Refugee Support Group.

They run a weekly drop-in session for information and advice in Newbury. Contact WBAR for up to date details on location and time, or visit the WBAR Facebook page.

Additional resources

Migrant Help provides advice and guidance to help asylum seekers in the UK move through and understand the asylum process. They run a free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, accessible to all asylum seekers in the UK - call 0808 8010 503.

You can find a guide to the UK immigration and asylum system on the Right to Remain website.

Refugee Action supports refugees and asylum seekers by offering advice and information to help rebuild their lives.