Free To Love
How The LGBTQ Community Can Claim Safety and Asylum in The UK
If you are part of the LGBTQ community, life can be challenging. From cultural judgments, self-doubt to feeling misunderstood, it is hard to know where to turn to feel safe. While the UK is not perfect, when it comes to expressing your sexuality it is far more progressive than many countries when it comes to legislative protection. If you are scared and considering fleeing your country, the UK can offer a safe haven to live life free from fear. For immediate help, you can contact us today. As one of the best immigration law firms in London we can help you seek the protection you need to love freely.
What Legislative Protection Does The UK Offer The LGBTQ Community?
Under the Geneva Convention Act 1957, foreign nationals may seek safe asylum in the UK if they meet certain requirements. When it comes to the LGBT community you must meet the definition of a refugee; “someone who is fleeing their home due to a well-rounded fear of persecution or discrimination because of their ethnicity, religion, nationality or affiliation with a specific social group or political beliefs” To claim asylum you must also demonstrate that your sexual orientation has caused or could lead to;
- Violence
- Threats
- Physical Harm
- Death
- Stigmatization
- Restrictions of Freedom
- Social Exclusion
- Criminalisation
- Degrading or Inhuman Treatment
Nobody deserves to be subject to these kinds of inhumane treatment based on their choice of sexuality and here at Waterstone Legal we are passionate to protect those living in fear. We are always a phone call away to start the process of guiding you towards safety. Speaking to a law firm near you is the first step towards freedom, an immigration solicitor can support you to present the best case to seek safety and successful asylum in the UK.
What Is The Process To Apply For UK Asylum?
To start the application you can either contact an immigration lawyer like us here at Waterstone Legal or contact the Home Office who will ask you some initial questions. You will then be invited for the first of two interviews. The first is a screening interview which has a more procedural element, taking fingerprints and personal details. It is very unlikely you will be detained in your screening interview. Next, you will normally be invited for a more substantive interview. It is important you provide all of the correct documents and information on the first interview to avoid delays. In some cases you may be detained while a decision is made on the next steps. In the instance you are detained, you can contact one of the team here at Waterstone Legal to support your case. During the second interview, you will be asked deeper questions regarding your situation, timelines of events and for any supporting documentation to strengthen your case. During this interview it is important you are consistent, detailed and informed on the legislation that supports your circumstances. It is recommended to have an immigration law firm by your side to ensure the process goes smoothly and you are granted asylum as quickly as possible.
What Happens While You Are Waiting For An Asylum Decision?
Waiting for the decision of your application requires patience as it can take anything up to twelve months and beyond. During this time you cannot work in the UK unless under very specific circumstances. To check on the status of your application you can regularly contact the Home Office or contact your immigration lawyer who will follow up on updates for you. The complexity of your case, the number of applications and correct documentation can all affect the length of processing your asylum application. Your solicitor can reassure you that you have done all you can to make the best possible application and nothing is outstanding. To contact Waterstone Legal for asylum support, simply click here and one of our dedicated team will be in touch.
The Wrap Up (With Love)
Everyone deserves the right to live in a country where they are free to love who they wish and express their sexuality. The UK can be that safe haven for refugees facing discrimination in their home countries. Applying for asylum in the UK as part of the LGBTQ community can be an emotional and timely process. It is highly recommended you have an immigration expert by your side to support you and ensure the application runs as smoothly, quickly and easily as possible. If you would like to speak to a lawyer, Waterstone Legal is one of the best law firms in London and has extensive experience in supporting those living in fear to seek safe asylum in the UK.
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