Asylum

Asylum Seekers Support

 

Housing advice

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.

 

We have a statutory responsibility to offer assistance to asylum seekers under the National Assistance Act of 1948. We have a duty to provide accommodation and benefits to asylum seekers whilst they await the outcome of their case with the Home Office.

 

However, following changes in the law due to the Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999, asylum seekers that arrive after April 2000 no longer have a right to assistance and do not have to be provided for by us. Instead, the Home Office provides support through the National Asylum Support Service.

 

We administer the various benefits asylum seekers are entitled to and also make provisions for temporary accommodation.

 

Useful web links

Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate|

This website will help you understand UK Immigration control and what your rights and responsibilities are when you make an application.

 

Asylum Support|

Focuses on all matters that concern people seeking asylum, together with a directory of hundreds of online resources.

 

The Refugee Council|

The Refugee Council is the largest organisation in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees.

 

 

Contact

Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3000

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

 

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.

 

Please note: All enquiries regarding Immigration and Asylum should be made through the Home Office.

 

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© 2008 London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Civic Centre

Rainham Road North, Dagenham, RM10 7BN

 

Telephone: 020 8215 3000

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: enquiries@lbbd.gov.uk|

 

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