Asian man
An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war and applies for refugee status then awaits a decision from the Home Office

Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker.  Asylum seekers often encounter homelessness and face difficulty in obtaining accommodation.

Asylum cases are now dealt with by National Asylum Support Service directly and only a very smally number are now being managed by the council who provide accommodation and benefits to asylum seekers while they await the outcome of their case with the Home Office.

Where they are not entitled to assistance from the National Asylum Support Service, a joint assessment with the asylum team will make to determine if any duty is owed under the Children Act 1989 or Community Care Act.

Persons from abroad, subject to immigration control or who have no status or recourse to public funds, are not usually entitled to any assistance unless there are some exceptional circumstances.  The Asylum and Immigration Team will carry out assessments to determine eligibility.

Contact Information

Asylum and Immigration Team
Tel: 01582 54 75 71
Fax: 01582 54 63 68
Email icon asylum.immigration@luton.gov.uk