Refugee Homecoming: Can They Return Home From The Uk?

Refugees in the UK may be able to travel back to their home country, but it is highly discouraged by immigration attorneys, especially if the refugee intends to return to the same country where they experienced past persecution or fear future persecution. Returning to the country of origin may jeopardize the refugee's status in the UK, and their asylum status may be revoked. If a refugee intends to travel back to their home country, they should consult an immigration attorney for advice and guidance. Additionally, refugees should be aware that they cannot use a refugee travel document to travel to their country of origin or any country they sought asylum from.

Refugees with UK status can apply for travel documents to leave the UK

The validity of the Refugee Travel Document depends on your situation. If you are settled in the UK, the document is typically valid for up to 10 years for adults and 5 years for those aged 15 or under. If you have permission to stay, the document is valid until the end of your permission to remain in the UK.

With this document, you can travel to all countries except your country of origin and any country from which you sought asylum. It is important to note that some countries do not accept refugee travel documents, so it is crucial to check the requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Before travelling, it is recommended to consult official sources and seek legal advice regarding your specific circumstances. Additionally, if you receive benefits, you should check the conditions and notify the relevant authorities about your travel plans.

It is important to note that travelling back to your home country as a refugee is highly discouraged by immigration attorneys, as it could jeopardize your immigration status. If your life is still in danger in your home country, you should refrain from travelling there.

Refugees cannot use these documents to travel to their country of origin

Refugees in the UK cannot use their travel documents to travel to their country of origin. This is because the UK grants refugee status based on claims of past persecution or a fear of future persecution in that country. By returning to the country in question, refugees risk losing their immigration status in the UK.

If you have been granted asylum, your status may be terminated if it is determined that you have voluntarily placed yourself under the protection of your country of origin, acquired a new nationality, or are no longer eligible for asylum due to a fundamental change in circumstances. Similarly, your asylum status may be revoked if there was fraud in your application, or if your travel patterns indicate that you did not experience past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution.

If you have been admitted as a refugee, your status may be terminated if your travel to your country of origin indicates that you did not experience past persecution, or that you do not have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of a protected ground. In this case, you may need to explain your travel to that country to avoid losing your refugee status.

It is important to note that seeking legal advice from an immigration attorney or relevant professional before travelling back to your country of origin is highly recommended. They can provide guidance on the specific circumstances and help you understand the potential risks involved.

Refugees can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK

To be granted refugee status, an asylum seeker must have fled their country of residence or nationality due to a fear of persecution based on race, nationality, religion, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. They must claim asylum or humanitarian protection in a safe third country, such as the UK, and will remain an asylum seeker until they obtain refugee status.

Once granted refugee status, individuals can apply for a United Nations refugee travel document through the Home Office. This allows them to travel outside the UK but not to their country of origin, as this could result in their asylum being revoked.

After five years of having refugee status, individuals can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, which allows them to settle and gain permanent residency. This application can be made online and is free of charge. It typically takes up to half a year to receive a response, although most individuals receive an answer within eight weeks.

It is important to note that indefinite leave to remain can be lost if the individual travels back to the country from which they sought asylum or stays outside the UK for more than two years.

Refugees with indefinite leave to remain can lose it by travelling back to their country of origin

Refugees with indefinite leave to remain in the UK can lose it by travelling back to their country of origin. The UK government considers this a serious issue and a breach of the conditions of asylum. Returning to one's country of origin is grounds for asylum to be revoked.

Refugees with indefinite leave to remain are allowed to travel outside the UK. They can do so using a Home Office travel document, which is usually valid for up to 10 years. However, this document is not valid for travel to the country of origin or any country asylum was sought from.

Refugees who have returned to their country of origin may face challenges when trying to re-enter the UK. They may need to apply for permission to re-enter and may even have to wait for a decision from outside the UK. In some cases, they may lose their indefinite leave to remain status and have to reapply for asylum.

It is important to note that indefinite leave to remain is a form of protection status that allows refugees to settle in the UK permanently. It gives them the right to live, work, and study in the UK, as well as access benefits and public services. Losing this status by travelling back to one's country of origin can have significant implications for a refugee's ability to reside in the UK.

Therefore, while refugees with indefinite leave to remain in the UK technically can travel back to their country of origin, it is strongly advised against. Doing so may result in the loss of their indefinite leave to remain status and the protection and benefits that come with it.

Refugees can get help to return to their home country if they do not have permission to stay in the UK

Refugees in the UK may be eager or pressured to return to their home country, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Travelling back to one's country of origin can jeopardize one's refugee or asylum status, as it may indicate that the individual no longer fears persecution there. This could lead to the revocation of asylum or refugee status.

If a refugee in the UK does not have permission to remain, they can get help to return to their home country. This process is known as 'voluntary return', and the UK government provides a service to assist individuals in this situation. The voluntary returns service can explain the options for returning home, help with obtaining travel documents such as a passport, and even pay for travel tickets if the individual is unable to. Financial support of up to £3,000 may also be available to help with finding accommodation, employment, or starting a business in one's home country.

Even with this support, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Refugees who have claimed asylum in the UK will have had their national passport taken away as part of their asylum application. They can apply for a Refugee Travel Document from the Home Office, but this may not be accepted by all countries. Many countries in the Middle East, for example, do not accept this as a valid travel document. It is crucial to check the requirements of the country of travel and any countries that will be transited through during the journey.

Additionally, those receiving benefits in the UK should check the conditions of their benefits before travelling, as they may need to notify the job centre and obtain permission from their benefits case handler.

Overall, while refugees in the UK can get help to return to their home country if they do not have permission to stay, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and challenges involved in such a decision.

Frequently asked questions