Asylum seekers

HC2 certificates (full help with health costs)

If you are an asylum seeker or a refugee living in Scotland, you have the right to NHS healthcare while you are here. This briefing tells you how to get full help with your healthcare expenses.

Aspen Card Problems

If your ASPEN CARD does not work, or you have not received it, or have lost it...

Homeless in Glasgow?

Some useful resources for people from refugee or migrant backgrounds. Remember to check out the interactive food map.

Refugees and asylum seekers: how to get a bank account

If you are unsure if you have the correct documents, or how to open an account, read our guidance below:

Help with the ARC Card

The Application Registration Card (ARC) is a credit card-sized plastic card issued by the Home Office to individuals who claim asylum. The ARC demonstrates that you are a current asylum claimant awaiting the outcome of your full asylum claim. This page explains when you do and don't need an ARC, and what to do if you have any problems.

Are asylum seekers in the U.K. allowed to work or volunteer while awaiting their asylum decision?

The Home Office may grant permission to work to asylum seekers whose claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months through no fault of their own.

How to get a Bus Pass

Information on how to get a bus pass in Scotland for an Asylum Seeker.

The Right to Remain Toolkit

External link opens in new window righttoremain.org.uk

A guide to the UK immigration and asylum system

Free food

Links to food banks

Resources for people fleeing Ukraine

External link opens in new window docs.google.com

Includes information on humanitarian corridors, border crossing, travelling further, asylum, practical resources, shelters/accommodation, phone calls and communication, information and journalism, medical support, psychological support, resources for companies and job seekers, legal support, and how to offer support.

BRP Card

The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a government-issued physical card carried by Refugees and immigrants in the UK as a form of identification. In addition to your name and birthplace, the permit will also contain biometric information (your photo and fingerprints), and information about the specific status that you hold.

How to get help

The best way to get help is to fill in the online self-referral form. This gives us a chance to find out what the problem is and allocate your case if we can help. We also run drop-ins and outreach surgeries where you can get initial advice regarding housing, welfare rights, energy debt, evisas, and resettlement matters. All our services are tailored for people from refugee and migrant communities.

Positive Action Network

External link opens in new window positiveaction.network

Discover useful contacts and resources for people from BME, refugee, asylum-seeking, and migrant communities. Access a wide range of support organisations that offer multilingual and multicultural services. Resources throughout Scotland and the entire UK.

Know your housing rights as a new refugee

Received a positive asylum decision? Are you a newly granted refugee or just been given leave to remain? Have you receive a letter from Mears Group telling you to leave your accommodation? Then read this briefing.

Housing rights and options for Ukrainians - UKR/ENG

External link opens in new window docs.google.com

Home office guidance on living in asylum accommodation

Home Office guide for asylum seekers staying in temporary accommodation while their claim for asylum is assessed.

Help to meet vital travel costs

External link opens in new window paih.knack.com

Asylum applications have to be submitted in person in Croydon, yet most asylum seekers can’t afford the cost of travel without assistance. The Emergency Relief Fund offers travel grants to people seeking asylum to enable you to attend important appointments with the Home Office.

Afghanistan Country of Origin Information (COI)

External link opens in new window www.asylos.eu

The Afghanistan COI Repository presents current country information on Afghanistan using national, regional and international sources. Supported by Refugee Action and developed jointly by Asylos, ARC Foundation and Clifford Chance, the report covers the research period of 1 September 2021 – 31 December 2022.

Government statement on eligibility for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme

External link opens in new window www.gov.uk

The government has released a policy statement on eligibility for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. The update contains details on Afghan relocations and assistance policy, resettlement support, and other cohorts of Afghan nationals and their family members. Published: 13 Sept 2021

Afghanistan Resources from GMIAU

External link opens in new window gmiau.org

Greater Manchester Immigration Advice Unit has set up information about Afghanistan and summarises the options for people seeking asylum in the UK from Afghanistan, with GMIAU’s advice.