Life in the UK
You might be considering travelling to the United Kingdom as an irregular migrant. Irregular migrants who choose to apply for asylum in the UK face strict border controls.
Life for Irregular Migrants
Migrants who enter the UK irregularly are not allowed to work. As such, those who take on work while undocumented may be vulnerable to unfair treatment and exploitation. They are also not eligible to receive benefits from the UK government, such as financial support or aid.
Because life in the UK can be quite costly, many undocumented migrants find it challenging to make ends meet.
Seeking Asylum in the UK
The United Kingdom has introduced stricter laws toward people who arrive through irregular routes. Migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats or enter the UK through irregular means may not be eligible to apply for asylum. Under the “one-for-one” agreement between the UK and France, individuals arriving via small boats may be detained and returned to France, where their asylum claims can be considered. Under this system, eligible migrants in France may apply to come to the UK by submitting an expression of interest.
People who remain in the UK without legal status may face long periods of uncertainty and anxiety about their future, which can negatively affect their mental and emotional well-being. Asylum procedures may take months or years, and not all applications are approved. In addition, changes have been made to the support systems available to asylum seekers, and some may lose the right to housing or financial assistance.
The UK asylum system has undergone significant changes. One of the most notable changes is that people recognized as refugees will now be granted temporary refugee status. This means that instead of automatically receiving the right to remain after five years, they will initially be granted leave to remain for 30 months. After this period, their situation will be reviewed, and they may be returned to their country of origin if it is considered safe.
If you are seeking asylum in the UK, you should apply for asylum as soon as you arrive in the country; your asylum claim is more likely to be denied if you wait. You can learn more about how to apply for asylum on the UK Government’s webpage here.
Prior to exiting the European Union, the UK was bound by the Dublin Regulation, which stipulates that asylum seekers must claim asylum in the first safe country they enter. However, the UK’s participation in this regulation expired on 31 December 2020. The UK Government is seeking new legislation on immigration. This may impact where asylum seekers are processed or can be returned to.
Safe and Legal Alternatives
There are legal pathways to live in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility depends on skills, family connections, and individual circumstances.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
Migrants who possess skills that are in demand in the UK can apply for a Skilled Worker visa, which allows them to work legally for an approved employer. Additional information on eligibility requirements, approved employers, and application steps for the Skilled Worker visa is available on the official UK government website.
2. Right to Work for Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers who have waited more than one year for a decision may apply for permission to work in specific high-demand roles included on the Immigration Salary List. This right may end if the asylum application is refused. You can find the latest information on the right to work for asylum seekers, including eligible sectors and conditions, through official UK government websites.
3. Family Reunification
Refugees or individuals granted humanitarian protection no longer have an automatic right to bring their spouse or children to the United Kingdom. However, if you have immediate family members who are legally residing in the UK, you may be able to join them through family reunification, provided you meet stricter eligibility requirements. While the process may take time, understanding the rules and submitting the correct application can help reunite your family in a safe and legal way.
For up-to-date information on family reunification requirements, procedures, and how to apply, you can refer to official UK government guidance.
4. Resettlement
Some refugees may be resettled in the United Kingdom through international programs. There is no direct application process. Cases are identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and referred to the UK authorities.
Final Message
Before taking any step, make sure you obtain accurate information and understand all the options available to you. Making informed decisions helps protect your safety and your future.