Asylum Seekers and Refugees
What’s the difference between refugees and asylum seekers?
There is often confusion around the labels used to describe people who have sought refuge or migrated to the UK. Please read the following
+ Asylum seekers
A person seeking asylum has often have to flee their home to avoid execution. Arrives in another country, whichever way they can makes themselves known to the authorities, submits an asylum application and has a legal right to stay in the country while waiting for a decision, which may often take some time.
+ Refugees
A refugee:
- Has had their claim for asylum accepted by the government
- Has proven that they’d be at risk if returned to their home country
- Has permission to stay in the UK either long term or indefinitely.
+ Refused asylum seekers
A person who has been refused asylum:
- Hasn’t been able to prove that they’d be at risk if returned to their home country
- Has been denied asylum by the authorities.
Must now leave the country – unless they want to appeal the decision.
+ Migrants
A migrant:
- Has moved to another country, for example, to work, study or join family members
- May be living there temporarily or permanently depending on their situation.
Useful Information
EYST Multilingual Helpline Wales
Advisors can signpost to relevant organisations and services in your area, provide specialist employment advice, signpost, and refer to specialist organisations, provide information in a range of community languages, and provide information in relation to health, education, work, housing, personal safety, welfare entitlements, food poverty, and your rights.
Map of Ethnic Minority Organisations in Wales
As part of their All-Wales BAME Engagement Programme, EYST Wales has been working on mapping the breadth and diversity of BAME organisations in Wales.
A Better Welcome to Swansea
Helps to welcome and support people seeking asylum and refuge in Swansea to reduce isolation, encourage active participation, promote wellbeing, and enhance integration.
Swansea City of Sanctuary
City of Sanctuary is a national movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.
Swansea has offered a home to people who have lost their homes and families and we wish to celebrate the welcoming attitudes of Swansea people and organisations.