Myth buster
Myths and frequently asked questions about asylum seekers in the UK.
What is an asylum seeker?
An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war, and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker.
Asylum seekers often encounter homelessness and face difficulty in obtaining accommodation. South Tyneside Council offers support to asylum seeker families and is a member of NECCAS (North East Contracting Consortium for Asylum Support).
More on what is an asylum seeker
Support the team offers
The team gives practical support and supplies accomodation to asylum seekers whilst assisting them throughout the asylum process.
All income to deliver the service, support and accomodation comes from the Home Office contract.
More on the support the team offers
Asylum seekers and the law
Under the ‘dispersal arrangements’ of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the subsequent Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2000, local authorities are obliged to provide support and accommodation to asylum seekers.
More on asylum seekers and the law