What Happens If You Are Refused Asylum in The UK

What Happens If You Are Refused Asylum in the UK?

When your asylum application is refused, you will receive an asylum refusal letter from the Home Office. This will give you the reasons for the refusal, and depending on your circumstances, you may have the right to appeal the decision or explore other legal avenues. 

If you plan to appeal the decision or need support in reapplying for asylum, you should seek the advice of an immigration expert.

Appealing an Asylum Refusal

If your asylum application is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision. The right to appeal depends on the specifics of your case and the reasons for refusal. 

In some cases, you may receive a refusal with no right of appeal, which means you will need to explore other options, such as submitting a fresh claim or requesting a judicial review.

If you are granted the right to appeal, you must follow the correct appeal process and lodge your appeal within 14 days of receiving the refusal letter if you are in the UK. The appeal will be heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). It is crucial to seek legal advice to ensure your appeal is well-prepared and supported by substantial evidence.

If your refusal letter states that you have no right of appeal, you may still be able to challenge the decision through a judicial review or by submitting a fresh claim with new evidence.

Financial Support and Housing for Refused Asylum Seekers

If your asylum application is refused, you may still be eligible for limited financial support and housing assistance, depending on your circumstances.

Refused asylum seekers can apply for Section 4 support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. 

This support is available if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are taking steps to leave the UK voluntarily.
• You are unable to leave the UK due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., medical reasons).
• You have applied for judicial review and are awaiting a decision.

Section 4 support provides a weekly allowance of £45 per person, which is usually loaded onto a payment card. This support is intended to cover essential living costs.

Housing Assistance

Refused asylum seekers who qualify for Section 4 support may also be provided with accommodation. This accommodation is usually basic and shared. It is intended to prevent destitution while you explore your options.

Refused asylum seekers who are destitute or at risk of homelessness can seek assistance from housing charities and organisations. These services provide temporary accommodation and support to help you stay safe.

Healthcare Access

Refused asylum seekers are entitled to access certain healthcare services in the UK, even after their application has been denied.

There are several organisations, such as Medact, that can help refused asylum seekers understand their healthcare rights and access the services they need.

Consequences of Asylum Refusal in the UK

Being refused asylum in the UK can have significant legal and practical consequences, such as:

Loss of rights and access to services – once your asylum application is refused, you lose your right to work, study, or access most public funds. You may also lose access to healthcare, except for emergency treatment and certain services, such as maternity care.

Risk of deportation – failed asylum seekers are at risk of being deported to their country of origin. The Home Office may issue a removal notice, requiring you to leave the UK voluntarily or face enforced removal. If you fail to comply, you could be detained in an immigration removal centre.

Detention – in some cases, refused asylum seekers may be detained while awaiting deportation. Detention is typically used as a last resort, but it can happen if the Home Office believes there is a risk of you absconding.

Voluntary Return Programmes for Failed Asylum Seekers

If your asylum application has been refused and you cannot remain in the UK, you may consider returning to your home country voluntarily. 

Voluntary return programmes are designed to help individuals who choose to leave the UK without facing enforced removal. These programmes offer practical and financial support to ensure a smoother transition back to your country of origin.

How Can IAS Asylum Lawyers Help?

At IAS, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate the asylum process, especially after a refusal. Our team of experienced asylum lawyers can provide expert legal advice and representation to help you:

• Appeal an asylum refusal.
• Submit a fresh claim with new evidence.
• Apply for judicial review.
• Access financial and housing support.

We offer legal aid and private asylum support, ensuring that our services are accessible to everyone. If you’ve been refused asylum, do not face it alone. Call us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 to discuss your case.