Asylum seekers

HC2 certificates (full help with health costs)

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...

What is an ARC card?

The ARC is a credit card-sized plastic card issued by the Home Office to individuals who claim asylum. It contains information about the holder’s identity or claimed identity although it is not evidence of identity.

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.

Resources for people fleeing Ukraine

External link opens in new window https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I_xs-xbFb9GV_C7ZbH26OgMpO6Kn2pF0_eWwJ5hfggg/edit?usp=sharing…

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.

Appointment Clinics and Outreach Surgeries

Free, independent and multilingual advice and information for people from BME, refugee and migrant communities.

Free bus travel in Scotland for under 22s

All young people and children aged 5-21 years are supposed to be able to access Free Bus Travel Scheme from 31 January. But sadly the system blocks asylum seekers and those not born in the U.K., sending them on a fruitless merry go round.

The Right to Remain Toolkit

External link opens in new window https://righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/…

A guide to the UK immigration and asylum system

Free food

Links to food banks

Positive Action Network

External link opens in new window https://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. To have your organisation or service included in the online Directory, simply sign up for a login. To claim an existing listing, or to alert us to errors, send an email to home@positiveactionh.org, and we'll be happy to assist you.

Housing rights and options for Ukrainians - UKR/ENG

External link opens in new window https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C9ArSRbtUlA2DbdOLhBiZ5_45GoU8cxQPxy8isxjp8A/edit?usp=sharing…

Asylum seekers in the UK: How to get a bank account

This briefing tells you how to get a bank account. Content created by Positive Action in Housing. See also: https://www.paih.org/resources/Bank-accounts-uk-asylumseekers

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.

Home office guidance on living in asylum accommodation

External link opens in new window https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/8213…

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

Help to meet vital travel costs

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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 https://www.asylos.eu/afghanistan…

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, this will be updated every Thursday until further notice.

Government statement on eligibility for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme

External link opens in new window https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghanistan-resettlement-and-immigration-policy-statement…

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, integration support, and other cohorts of Afghan nationals and their family members. Published: 13 Sept 2021

Afghan Academy - Helpline and Resources

External link opens in new window https://www.afghanacademy.org.uk/afghan-helpline/…

Afghan Academy’s helpline provides emergency services for the Afghan community, local authorities and sector agencies in need of support. The A-Z Guide is kept updated and lists support agencies and contacts.

Afghanistan Resources from GMIAU

External link opens in new window https://gmiau.org/information-about-afghanistan/…

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.

Guidance used by UK Visas and Immigration to make decisions in asylum and human rights applications

Policy and information notes from gov.uk