An Asylum Seeker is a person who comes to the UK and seeks protection from persecution and serious human rights violations. Until they get a decision as to whether they will be granted refugee status and temporary leave to remain, they are known as an asylum seeker. In the UK, this means they are allocated asylum housing (or hotel if housing is unavailable), with limited rights and access to services. Asylum seekers have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). Asylum seekers in hotels receive a cash allowance of £8.86 per week from the UK Government.

Asylum dispersal

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 established a national policy to disperse those seeking asylum across the UK. Until 2022, Glasgow was the only dispersal area in Scotland, but it is now taking place across the country. The mandating of asylum dispersal for both unaccompanied children and adults throughout the UK, has resulted in an increased number of asylum seekers accommodated in properties and hotels throughout the whole of the UK.

Asylum housing and support is private sector led and delivered via a government contract. The Home Office currently contracts a company called Mears to provide housing, care services and housing maintenance and for asylum seekers. Mears is required to make sure that asylum accommodation is:

• secure, habitable and fit for purpose
• meets contractual and regulatory standards

While the council has no powers or responsibility for asylum support, the Refugee and Asylum Working Group will work with all partners to mitigate any negative impacts on communities and maximise strengths, goodwill and resilience.

Asylum seekers contingency hotels

There is currently one asylum hotel in Falkirk.

Where to get help

If you have claimed asylum or plan to claim asylum in the UK, you can get help in your language from Migrant Help.

In an emergency you may be able to get help from The British Red Cross.

You can get information about housing and other services from Positive Action in Housing.

You can also get help from The Scottish Refugee Council.