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Help for sanctuary seekers to understand their rights

Biometric Residence Permit

If you are granted refugee status, you will be issued with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You do not have to apply separately for a BRP. The BRP includes your name, date of birth and place of birth, your fingerprints and a photo and any conditions on your stay in the UK.

The BRP should also have your National Insurance number printed on it to help you access jobs or welfare benefits.

Cardiff Health Access Practice

This project is part of Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board. It provides health care for asylum seekers, particularly those living in Initial Accommodation. A key role undertaken by CHAP is health screenings when asylum seekers arrive in Wales.

Clearsprings Ready Homes

The UK Government has contracted an organisation called Clearsprings Ready Homes to provide accommodation for asylum seekers in Wales.

Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales

This Framework helps individuals and organisations to understand and compare qualifications achieved in other countries to Welsh qualification standards.

Deportation

This refers to the removal from the UK of people and their children where the UK Government has deemed this ‘conducive to the public good’. This may also be recommended by a court of law in connection with a conviction of a criminal offence.

Destitution

The UK Government defines destitution as not having the means to provide for accommodation or essential living needs (Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999). This also includes those who are likely to become destitute within 14 days.

Destitution can occur at any stage of seeking sanctuary. There may be a few weeks with no support before an application is processed. When awaiting an asylum decision there may be unexpected financial costs, such as the need for new school shoes for children. When granted refugee status, it may take some time for welfare benefits to be arranged or a job to be found. If refused asylum, you are likely to be able to access very little support.

Visit the ‘Money’ section of the website for more information.

Detention

You may be detained in immigration detention whilst you wait for permission to enter or before you are deported or removed. 

Discretionary Assistance Fund

The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides two types of grant which you do not need to pay back. The ‘Emergency Assistance Payment’ can pay for essential costs in an emergency. This can include food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel.

The ‘Individual Assistance Payment’ can help you or someone you care for to live independently rather than have to live in a care home or hospital.

Asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers can only access the Emergency Assistance Fund through an organisation. Find an organisation which can help in your area through the Find Help page.

Learn more about the Discretionary Assistance Fund here.

Discretionary Leave

This is a type of immigration status granted by the UK Government. This is usually granted where the Home Office has decided that you do not qualify for ‘refugee status’ or ‘humanitarian protection’ but there are other strong reasons why you should be allowed to stay in the UK for a period of time. You may be prevented from accessing welfare benefits or have other rules which you need to follow whilst you are in the UK.

Discrimination

Discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly or differently. This might be because of their race, age, sex, political belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, caste or disability.