Main information
Applying for asylum
This leaflet explains the main things asylum seekers need to know about applying for asylum in the UK. It explains the procedure and what happens while asylum seekers wait for a decision. This leaflet does not give full explanation of the law but is a guide only.
Applying for asylum support
Asylum seekers may need help with accommodation and living costs while they are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim. This leaflet explains how people can get help with these.
Positive decision on your asylum application
This leaflet explains what your rights and entitlements are when the government grants you permission to stay.
Are you a victim of racial harassment?
Some people may be attacked or insulted because of their racial or ethnic origin.
This leaflet provides information about what steps people should take if these incidents happen to them.
How to make a complaint
This leaflet explains how you can make a complaint if you are dissatisfied with the service you have received at one of Refugee Council offices.
Integration loans
This leaflet explains how refugees and people with humanitarian protection can apply for integration loans to start their new life in the UK.
Integration Information
Refugees' guide to housing
This leaflet is written mainly for refugees who have just got their permission to stay, and explains some of their housing rights and options.
Refugees' guide to training and employment
This leaflet explains your employment rights and what options are available to you when accessing training or securing employment.
Refugees' guide to welfare benefits
This leaflet explains the welfare benefits you may get if you have little or no income.
Housing options for refugees in London (English only)
This booklet is for refugees who have been given permission to stay in the UK and who need advice on homelessness, housing options and welfare benefits. It provides detailed information about hostels, day centres and law centres available throughout London.
Other documents
Applying for settlement after five year permission to stay granted after August 2005
This leaflet explains how the UKBA is dealing with applications for settlement from refugees who were granted refugee status or humanitarian protection after 30 August 2005.
Section 4 support ‘Azure’ payment card
This leaflet explains how the Section 4 support Azure payment card works and provides information on what to do if there are problems.
Applying for cash only support: moving in with family or a friend
This leaflet explains how you can apply to receive cash only support when you want to move from accommodation provided by UKBA to live with family or a friend. It also outlines what you need to consider before doing so.
Maternity payments for parents seeking asylum
This leaflet explains what maternity payments are available to parents who are
seeking asylum and what they need to do to receive them.
Are you destitute and at the end of the asylum process?
This leaflet explains how destitute asylum seekers who are at the end of the asylum process may receive help with accommodation and living costs under Section 4.
Section 4 support – additional vouchers
This leaflet explains how to apply for additional support vouchers, for example for travel or childcare.
UK resettlement programme: guides for refugees
This guide is for refugees who arrived in the UK as part of the resettlement programme. It includes information about what people might expect when they arrive in the UK and the agencies helping them to resettle.
Are you from Iraq? Have you been refused refugee status?
This leaflet explains under what circumstances an Iraqi asylum seeker who has been refused asylum may qualify for indefinite leave to remain.
Domestic abuse – do you need help?
This short leaflet explains what is considered to be domestic abuse and how you can
get help if you are experiencing it.
Have you applied for asylum before 5th March 2007 and have not been
granted the right to stay in the UK?
This leaflet explains how the UK Border Agency is dealing with asylum applications
submitted before 5th March 2007 and how it affects asylum seekers.
A guide to your asylum interview
This leaflet is to help you prepare for your asylum interview and to give you information about what to expect and your rights are.
Video link bail hearings
This leaflet is for people held in detention centres and prisons who are applying to be released on immigration bail. Many detainees will have their bail hearing by video link rather than in court. This leaflet explains how the video link bail hearing will be run and what to do if a bail application is refused.
Schools for children - information factsheet for refugee parents
This factsheet provides useful information for refugee parents about school rules, including
attendance, school uniform and homework.
Sexual health - information factsheet
This factsheet gives answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sexual health, including where to go for help and advice.
Beyond the school gates: report summary
This document is a summary of a research report which explored the needs and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in secondary schools in England. It includes recommendations of how schools and Refugee Community Organisations can work together to better support refugee young people and their parents and carers.
The Refugee Council website contains further information and resources and is only available in English