Seeking Asylum or Detained?
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Asylum Seeker and Detainee Guidance
An asylum detainee is someone who has been detained at the UK border after fleeing from persecution. To seek asylum, you must be unable to return to your home country because you fear persecution or danger. You can apply for asylum in the UK if your race, religion, nationality or political opinion means you risk persecution in your national country.
If you have not applied for asylum or been granted refugee status and you have entered the UK, you may risk being detained by UK border control. If you are currently being detained in the UK for a breach of asylum laws then we can provide urgent support. This support includes help with your application for bail and your appeal process. One of our dedicated immigration lawyers will arrange a meeting with you and visit the UK Immigration Detention Centre where you are being held. We will organise family visits, arrange bail and act as your legal representative if your appeal is taken to a tribunal.
We look forward to helping you with your case. You can contact us at our offices in London, Manchester, or Birmingham, or use our office finder to find your closest branch.
For more information on the different Asylum and Detainee options available for you, please see below.

Last modified on February 14th, 2023 at 2:06 pm

Advice Package
Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

Application Package
We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Fast Track Package
Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

The Advice Package
With our Advice Package, you can book a one-to-one session with one of our legal team and receive bespoke advice tailored for your situation. We will review your case and give you expert advice on how best to proceed with your immigration matter. Reach out to a member of our team and book your session today.

The Application Package
Our Application Package is designed to help relieve the stress of immigration applications. One of our legal caseworkers will help you throughout the entire process, including establishing your eligibility for your chosen route, completing your application form to the highest standards and organising your documents. We will then submit it and monitor its status on your behalf.

The Fast Track Package
Our premium Fast Track Package is ideal if you need to submit an application quickly, such as if you need to meet a tight deadline. Our lawyers will work closely with you to see that your application is completed to the highest standards and ensure you get your application in on time, helping to take the stress and pressure off you.

The Appeal Package
Visa appeals can be a stressful process, especially if you’re relying on a specific visa to be approved. Our legal team can help you navigate the whole process and maximise your chances of a successful appeal, working alongside you to reach a favourable result. We can also represent you in immigration-related hearings and tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to be recognised as a refugee and given asylum in the UK, you must have left your country of origin/residence and be unable to return. This must be due to a well-founded fear of persecution, which can be due to your:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Sexuality
- Political Opinion (or)
- Membership of a particular social group
More information on the process of claiming asylum
If you have arrived illegally in the UK, overstayed your permission to be here or your asylum claim is refused you and any dependents may be detained in an Immigration Removal Centre (IRC).
If you are detained you may be able to appeal an order for enforced removal or any decision refusing an application for Leave to Remain. You can also apply for bail to secure your release from an IRC or another secure centre.
More information on being refused entry to the UK
As a general rule, the following matters will qualify for Legal Aid (including advice, assistance and/or representation):
- Victims of domestic violence
- Victims of trafficking
- Asylum Seekers – in most cases (or)
- Refugees with Humanitarian Protection/Discretionary Leave under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. An example of this would be “freedom from torture or inhuman and degrading treatment”.
More information on Legal Aid and who qualifies for it
At IAS, we understand the stress and burden which can be involved with seeking asylum. As a result, we are dedicated to helping to ease this experience for you and we have several available Legal Aid options available to help with this. These options include:
- Advice Packages: in which one of our lawyers will assess your asylum options (including those for any dependants or family members).
- Emergency Advice: in which we offer an immediate service where we find the best asylum route for you and your family as quickly as possible if you are being detained.
- Detainee and Bail Package: in which we will meet with you if you are being detained. We will arrange family visitation, arrange your bail, and represent you legally if you want to appeal.
Contact us now by making an enquiry online or call us on 0333 363 8577 to speak with one of our immigration lawyers.