Definitions and myth busting

A refugee is someone whose asylum claim has been accepted by the government, granting them permission to stay in the UK, either long-term or indefinitely.

They will have been granted one of the following:

• refugee status
• humanitarian protection
• discretionary leave

Once granted, refugees have broadly the same rights and access to welfare benefits and services as anyone else in the UK. There are some exceptions to this including individuals with a 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) condition applied to their status.

Many unhelpful stereotypes and myths exist around refugees and asylum seekers. The truth is that most people have come to seek safety from war, violence and persecution and don't want to continue living in fear. Many have risked their lives and left everything behind to get here.