Asylum seekers

An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war, and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker. Asylum seekers often encounter homelessness and face difficulty in obtaining accommodation.

Housing advice for asylum seekers

We have a statutory responsibility to offer assistance by way of providing accommodation to certain people under the National Assistance Act of 1948.

Where the need for care and attention is from people who are asylum seekers excluded from benefit under section 115 of the immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the need solely arises from destitution (or because of the physical or anticipated physical effects of being destitute), there is no duty on us to provide such assistance.

Ukrainian guests

The Resettlement Team work with Hosts who wish to make an offer of support and housing to Ukrainian refugees.

Contact the Resettlement Team.

Further advice for refugees and asylum seekers

Last updated: Wednesday, 2 August, 2023.