You must still register an initial asylum claim in person, but it no longer has to be done at Lunar House in Croydon. The Home Office has announced that “the AIU will continue to function as normal but will be supported by centres in Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Leeds, Solihull and Cardiff”.
Asylum seekers in Great Britain can make their appointment to register an asylum claim by calling 0300 123 4193. (If in Northern Ireland, you are advised to turn up at Stockman House during office hours. Walking in without an appointment is discouraged but possible: it is allowed if you have nowhere to live and need to enter the asylum system to obtain accommodation.
Interviews
Asylum interviews were cancelled after 19 March. They are now resuming – albeit remotely, in line with guidance from the Home Office that says “there will be a phased resumption which utilises remote interviewing over video conferencing. We aim to resume face to face interviews as soon as possible”.
Asylum applicants will initially be asked to attend in person but will then be taken into an interview room to talk to a caseworker and interpreter via video link. Legal representatives can be present if the room is big enough for social distancing to take place; otherwise, they will be able to join remotely.
Asylum support
Asylum support rates increased on 15 June from £37.75 to £39.60 a week. Asylum seekers and refugees were also allowed to stay in government accommodation for a longer period than usual.
Scarsdale Solicitors – Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham Immigration Solicitors
If you need advice on an immigration issue, call the team of expert solicitors at Scarsdale. If you need the support of Manchester Immigration solicitors, Rochdale immigration solicitors and Oldham immigration solicitors, call Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester and Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale today on 0161 660 6050.
