Refugees and vulnerable migrants
Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Vulnerable Migrants Support Guide
Overview of asylum, asylum interview preparation, support after refugee status, family reunion, housing after asylum support, right to work, trauma support, free legal advice, charities, Ukraine support, trafficking and domestic violence immigration issues.
Plain-English summary
Refugee and asylum routes involve strict deadlines, evidence, interviews, housing, support changes, legal advice, and trauma-informed support. Specialist charities and qualified advisers matter.
Best for: People seeking asylum, refugees, Ukrainians, trafficking survivors, domestic abuse survivors, and support workers.
What this guide covers
Asylum and interviews
Asylum claims can depend on detailed personal evidence, deadlines, interviews, and legal arguments. Preparation and qualified advice are essential.
- Keep documents, letters, photos, messages, and evidence safe.
- Write a timeline of key events if safe and possible.
- Ask for an interpreter and explain dialect or language needs.
- Get legal advice before interviews and appeals wherever possible.
After refugee status
After status is granted, support and housing can change quickly. People often need help with bank accounts, benefits, housing, GP, school, work, and documents.
- Ask about the move-on period and deadlines as soon as status is granted.
- Apply for benefits, housing help, bank account, and National Insurance support if eligible.
- Keep Biometric Residence Permit or eVisa details updated.
- Ask refugee charities about integration and employment support.
Trafficking, domestic abuse and Ukraine routes
Specialist support exists for people affected by trafficking, modern slavery, domestic abuse, and Ukraine schemes. Immigration and safety issues can overlap.
- Use safe devices and specialist support if an abuser or exploiter monitors you.
- Ask about immigration options linked to domestic abuse or trafficking where relevant.
- Check Ukraine visa and permission extension guidance on GOV.UK.
Checklist
Use this as a practical planning list, then confirm official rules for your status and local area.
- 1Find a qualified immigration adviser or legal aid route if available.
- 2Keep all Home Office, Migrant Help, accommodation, medical, school, and support letters.
- 3Prepare interview timelines and interpreter needs with advice.
- 4After status, plan benefits, housing, bank, GP, school, and work steps quickly.
- 5Use specialist charities for trauma, trafficking, domestic abuse, or Ukraine scheme support.
Trusted starting points
Use official and established advice sources before relying on social media, forums, or paid services.
Related guides
Immigration status
Free immigration advice
Where to start with Citizens Advice, Advicenow, law centres, regulated immigration advisers, refugee charities, and specialist support services.
Benefits and support
Public funds and NRPF
Plain-English guide to public funds, NRPF, benefits, housing support, refugee and asylum support, hardship options, the Habitual Residence Test, and charity grants.
Laws, rights and safety
Laws and safety
Understand police, courts, solicitors, emergency numbers, police stops, hate crime, domestic abuse, child protection, trafficking, consumer rights, data protection, equality, driving, alcohol, smoking, drugs, knife crime, noise and neighbour disputes.