Asylum

An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, fleeing persecution, or torture, and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker. 

Asylum Seekers are sent to Rotherham on a no choice basis by the Home Office as part of the national dispersal programme introduced by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

The Council's asylum team is one of 3 "accommodation providers" operating in Rotherham, all of whom have a contract with the Home Office to provide temporary and basic furnished accommodation. The other accommodation providers are private sector companies. The asylum seeker has to leave this property when they have had their case decided by the Home Office.

For more information on local issues contact, Andrew Crowley, Team Leader. Rotherham Asylum Team. 01709 334270, or email - andrew.crowley@rotherham.gov.uk

Last update: 11/07/2011