Making a claim for asylum is a complex process, you can only claim asylum once in the UK and need to do so as soon as possible to have the best chance of success. After making your claim you will need to go through a rigorous and intense process to prove that you have a genuine fear of persecution, this includes attending an interview in which you may be questioned about difficult events.

Unfortunately, asylum cases are often refused due to the tough Home Office decision making process. In the year ending December 2020 only 41% of initial Home Office decisions resulted in a grant of asylum or another form of protection.

Having an asylum claim refused can be devastating, for many it is not safe to return to their home country. However, there is still hope for your asylum claim even if you have been refused initially. The Home Offices decision-making when it comes to asylum cases is poor, they are quick to refuse any cases they doubt and often do so wrongly, this is evidenced by the high number of asylum appeals that are allowed. In the year ending December 2020 39% of all asylum appeals were successful and the Home Office had to reconsider their initial decision.

If your asylum application is refused, you may need to rely on the courts rather than the Home Office to provide you with the protection you need, you can do this by launching an appeal. An appeal is a formal legal challenge of a Home Office decision. During an appeal a judge at an independent court will look at your application and has the power to overturn the Home Office’s refusal.

If your asylum claim has been refused you should contact a legal representative as soon as possible, they can support you through the appeal process.