Human rights applications

This page explains how we may allow you to stay in the UK temporarily for humanitarian reasons.

The UK adheres to the European Convention on Human Rights, which prevents us from sending anyone to a country where there is a real risk that they will be exposed to torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

If you do not qualify for recognition as a refugee but we think there are humanitarian reasons why we should let you stay in the UK, we may give you temporary permission to stay here.

In 2006, 9 per cent of people who applied for asylum did not qualify for refugee status but were given temporary permission to stay for humanitarian or other reasons.