What brings asylum seekers to the United Kingdom?
BMJ 2001; 322 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.322.7284.485 (Published 24 February 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;322:485
- Angela Burnett, senior medical examiner (a.c.burnett@qmw.ac.uk),
- Michael Peel, senior medical examiner
- Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, London NW5 3EJ
- Correspondence to: A Burnett
This is the first in a series of three articles
Asylum seekers and refugees have been the subject of much media and political attention over recent months, but they are often misrepresented. In the first paper in this series we discuss the reasons that cause people to go into exile and the situation in which they find themselves as refugees in the United Kingdom. In subsequent papers we will examine the health needs of refugees, appropriate care and responses, the specific health effects of torture and organised violence, the needs of health workers, and the structural organisation of health services.
The term refugee is used to include people at all stages of the asylum process. The various definitions of refugee status are given in the box below.
Definitions of refugee status
Asylum seeker—asylum claim submitted, awaiting Home Office decision
Refugee status (accepted as a refugee under the Geneva Convention)—given leave to remain in the UK for four years, and can then apply for settled status (Indefinite leave to remain, see below). Eligible for family reunion for one spouse and all children under 18 years
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)—given permanent residence in Britain indefinitely. Eligible for family reunion only if able to support family without recourse to public funding
Exceptional leave to remain (ELR)—the Home Office accepts there are strong reasons why the person should not return to the country of origin and grants the right to stay in Britain for four years. Expected to return if the home country situation improves. Ineligible for family reunion
Refusal—the person has a right of appeal, within strict time limits
Britain, as a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention, and for many years before this, has offered asylum to those fleeing from persecution and violence. Under the terms of the Convention, a refugee is defined as any person …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £184 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£50 / $60/ €56 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.