If you are at risk of persecution or serious harm in your country of origin, you may be eligible to seek protection in the UK under one of two routes: Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection. These are forms of international protection granted to individuals who cannot safely return to their home country.

What is Refugee Status?

Refugee status is granted under the 1951 Refugee Convention to individuals who:

• Are outside their country of origin
• Have a well-founded fear of persecution based on one or more of the following grounds:
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Nationality
  • Political opinion
  • Membership of a particular social group

To be granted refugee status, you must demonstrate that the government in your home country cannot or will not protect you from this persecution.

What is Humanitarian Protection?

If you do not meet the legal definition of a refugee but are still at risk of serious harm if returned to your country, you may be granted Humanitarian Protection. This includes risk of:

• Death penalty
• Unlawful killing
• Torture or inhuman or degrading treatment
• Serious threat to your life due to indiscriminate violence (e.g., armed conflict or civil war)

How Long Does Protection Last?

• Refugee Status and Humanitarian Protection are usually granted for 5 years.
• You may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the 5-year period, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements.

Rights and Benefits

As a refugee or person with humanitarian protection, you are entitled to:

• Live and work in the UK
• Access education and the NHS
• Apply for benefits (if eligible)
• Apply for refugee family reunion for eligible family members
• Apply for a travel document

You must apply for asylum upon arrival in the UK or as soon as possible.

It’s strongly advised to seek legal support to prepare a strong and well-documented application.

Family Reunion

If you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, you may apply for your partner or children under 18 to join you in the UK. This is known as a Refugee Family Reunion application.

At Sincere Immigration, we assist individuals with:

• Preparing strong asylum claims
• Representing at asylum interviews or appeals
• Family reunion applications
• Travel document applications
• ILR applications after 5 years

Our experienced team understands the sensitive and urgent nature of protection claims. Book your free 30-minute consultation today and let us guide you through the process with care and expertise.