UK Home Office says asylum seekers can stay with friends, family

The United Kingdom Home Office has introduced a new policy allowing asylum seekers to stay with friends or family members within the country. This change means individuals will no longer be solely reliant on Home Office accommodation.

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You can stay with friends or family instead of in Home Office accommodation.

The policy, outlined in a four-page leaflet, clarifies that this arrangement will not affect the asylum application's final decision. Eligible asylum seekers will continue to receive their weekly financial support for essential needs. However, they must follow a specified procedure before moving.

Before relocating, asylum seekers must confirm with friends or family their willingness to host them. They then need to notify Migrant Help. The Home Office stated that confirmation of the request's outcome must be received before moving to new accommodation. Failure to notify Migrant Help could result in the loss of financial support.

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Once you and your friend or family member have provided Migrant Help with all the information required, you must wait for the Home Office to confirm the outcome of your request before moving to new accommodation.

This development comes shortly after the UK government announced its intention to accelerate the asylum process. Last week, the Home Office implemented a new 24-week target for deciding certain asylum and immigration appeals. This measure aims to speed up removals and cut the costs associated with housing individuals whose claims have been rejected.

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If you move without telling Migrant Help, you could lose your financial support, so it is important you contact them first.