What is the process for seeking asylum in the UK?

 To seek asylum in the UK, a person must have left their country and be unable to return due to the threat of persecution which has endangered their life

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. The asylum claim process can be lengthy, and there are eligibility criteria for who can apply for asylum

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. A person can claim asylum immediately on entering the UK, at the port at which they arrive, or by registering their asylum claim by telephoning to make an appointment to claim asylum at the Asylum Screening Unit (ASU) in Croydon

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 The first interview that takes place after claiming asylum is the asylum screening interview, which is usually around 30 minutes to two hours long

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. After the screening interview, the Home Office will decide if the claim can be considered in the UK. If it can, the person will have an asylum interview with a caseworker

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. The asylum interview is a detailed interview in which the Home Office interviewer will ask about the person's reasons for claiming asylum

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The asylum claim will usually be decided within six months, but it may take longer if it's complicated

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. If the claim is successful, the person may be granted refugee status or humanitarian protection and given permission to stay in the UK for a minimum of five years

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The UK government spends money on refugees to provide them with housing, support, and basic needs while their asylum claims are being processed

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. The UK is bound by international laws to protect the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants

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