Who can claim asylum?

This page explains who may be recognised as a refugee and given asylum in the UK.

Asylum is given under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. To be recognised as a refugee, you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you have a well-founded fear of persecution because of your:

• race;
• religion;
• nationality;
• political opinion; or
• membership of a particular social group.

In 2007, 19 of every 100 people who applied for asylum were recognised as refugees and given asylum.

If you do not qualify for recognition as a refugee but we think there are humanitarian or other reasons why we should allow you to stay in the UK, we may give you temporary permission to remain here. See Human rights applications for more information.