Three scenarios can happen after the screening.
First, if an asylum seeker passes the screening, they’ll be invited to another interview to further explain what caused their persecution and why they’re afraid to return to their country. A lawyer or solicitor can be present here.
A person granted refugee status will have to live in the UK for a minimum of five years. Dependants will be able to stay for the same period of time.
After five years, refugees and their dependants will be allowed to apply for what’s called indefinite leave to remain. This essentially gives the refugee the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like. Refugees will also be able to apply for British citizenship.
Second, in some cases, an asylum seeker is granted protection status without undergoing an interview. This happens when there’s enough evidence from the screening and questionnaire, if one was filled up beforehand.
Third, asylum seekers may also be kept at an immigration removal centre while they wait for a decision on their application. They would then either be released to continue living in the UK, or held and removed from the country. They may also be forced to leave the UK if another country offers asylum.
What are the rights of asylum seekers?
Asylum seekers are allowed to bring their partners and children under 18 years old as dependants if they’re in the UK as well, and they can stay for the same amount of time as the main applicant. But they will not be granted refugee status unless they apply for asylum on their own.
Unless granted permission, asylum seekers will not be allowed to work when awaiting the outcome of their application, the UK government noted.
To support them, accommodation will be provided but this is unlikely to be in areas like London. Each person in a household will receive £49.18 (US$64) per week, but only £8.86 (US$11.5) if the accommodation provides meals.
Asylum seekers will also come under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) system and get medicine prescriptions, dental care and eyesight tests for free.
Children of asylum seekers aged five to 17 must attend school where they may also be able to get free meals.
