The definition of asylum seeker may vary from country to country, depending on the laws of each country. However, in most countries, the terms asylum seeker and refugee differ only in the place where an individual asks for protection. On the one hand, an asylum seeker asks for protection after arriving to the host country, while a refugee asks for protection and is granted this protected status outside of the host country.

In the UK asylum seekers are individuals who claim to be refugees who are waiting for a decision from the Home Office (HO) on their case.They will have lodged an application for protection on the basis of the Refugee Convention or Article 3 of the ECHR.

Destitute asylum seekers and refugees in and around Hull .  Asylum seekers become destitute when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. 

Refused asylum seekers are not allowed to work.

There is no legal way for them to support themselves , even to register themselves as homeless, or places in local authority night shelters.

Many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing.

Migrant workers often from East European Countries .

Now we have started getting people coming through our church door other than asylum seekers since the recession in economy. On average, probably 20 to 30 migrant workers from Eastern European countries (Poland, Lithuania and others) . UK rules regarding benefits for these worker have changed and benefits can be claimed before working for 12 months contributing- but people for EA8 countries still come to the project as a place of welcome and to make friends.

‘A refugee is a person who ‘owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country…’

(Definition quoted from the 1951 Refugee Convention)

People with refugee status

We assist them with practical and sign posting support such as :

- finding relevant organisations that can help them to settle in society 

 - finding suitable resources that can help them to settle in society

 - assisting and helping them to a find job and relevant training

 - getting them engaged in local society with understanding of culture

Those seeking protection in the UK are called “Asylum Seekers.”