Claim for lgbtq
The issue with using ‘proof’ of sexual orientation in asylum decision-making
Blog post by Kitti Balas, a graduate of the MA programme in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies at the University of London.
It is recognised that asylum seekers face tough challenges in submitting evidence to sustain their sexual orientation, namely whether they have a credible fear of persecution on grounds of membership of a particular social collective. This might be because they’re rarely able or contain time to obtain any documentary proof upon fleeing their home countries and certification of someone’s sexual orientation is not always possible.
The primary (and often the only) cause of evidence in sexual orientation-based claims is the applicant’s own testimony. So demanding ‘proof’ of sexual orientation in the refugee status determination process leaves life-changing decisions up to a range of non-measurable, non-controllable variables.
Persecution on account of someone’s sexual orientation is not a new phenomenon. However, with its understanding being largely inconsistent in asylum decisions, its application remains inconsistent too. In contrast to claims where applicants are ab
This advice is for sapphic, gay, bisexual and gender nonconforming (LGBT) refugees. However, much of the information will also be relevant to non-LGBT refugees. See below. The Peter Tatchell Foundation (PTF) is unable to take on individual asylum cases – we are a very small organisation, with very limited staffing and resources. While we help asylum seekers obtain the right advice and support, we are not asylum experts or solicitors. The PTF Foundation can point you to people and organisations who can help you file a credible, effective asylum application or appeal.
Please note they do not accept drop-ins, and you will require an appointment to observe them in person.
They are also not an emergency service.
Rainbow Migration
7-14 Superb Dover St
London
SE1 4YR
If they are unable to support find you a solicitor, for free legal suggestion you should try your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Law Centre who may be able to help.
Asylum Aid
Asylum Aid has worked for over 30 years to help migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers overcome the barriers that prevent them from fully participating in British world. In this time, they have helped tens of
LGBT asylum
Contents
Asylum claims for woman loving woman, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) People
Danielle Cohen Solicitors are experienced in asylum claims for LGBT clients who have a well-founded fear of persecution. There is still widespread discrimination against lesbian, gay, attracted to both genders, transgender, and intersex people around the world, as well as against any other people who spot as queer or not cisgender and heterosexual.
In July 2018, Danielle Cohen attended Pride and saw protests against countries that punish homosexuality with the death penalty. This firm has represented many LGBT clients in immigration matters and asylum claims.
Can asylum seekers work?
Asylum seekers are not normally allowed to perform whilst their application is pending. They are instead provided with accommodation and support to meet their essential needs. The Place Office may grant permission to work in line with their policy for those asylum seekers whose claim has been exceptional for more than 12 months, but those will only be allowed to work in restricted jobs on the shortage occupation list.
Get in touch for expert advice
On 19th June 2018, we had the honour of attending the House of Lords
LONDON - As protections for LGBTQ+ people are rolled endorse in parts of the world, the European Union has said that the number of asylum applications based on sexual orientation and gender identity hold increased in recent years.
Yet many European countries are looking to limit migration, stirring worries among LGBTQ+ advocates that this vulnerable team could be impacted.
While the EU does not provide concrete data, its asylum agency estimates the number of asylum applications from Diverse individuals are on the rise. Countries like Uganda, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, which criminalise homosexuality with harsh penalties, are common origin countries for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in the EU.
Here’s what you need to understand about LGBTQ+ asylum in the EU.
Do EU states provide asylum to Gay people?
The United Nations’ Geneva Convention says sexual orientation and gender identity constitute solid grounds to claim refugee status, and a 2011 EU Directive specifies that sexual orientation, along with race, religion and nationality, is one of the qualifying categories for asylum.
Legally, this means all EU member states provide asylum to Gay people. However, protections for LGBTQ+
Back to ‘Immigration system statistics, year ending June 2024’ content page.
All statistics here relate to the number of asylum claims made where a person’s sexual orientation formed part of the basis of their claim. The data incorporate claims with a queer woman, gay, or bisexual (LGB) element, but other forms of sexual or gender identity may also be considered when addressing a claim. Asylum claims where sexual orientation formed part of the basis for the claim will be hereafter referred to as LGB claims.
Data relates to the year 2023 and most comparisons are with the year 2022. Factors such as data recording, data time lag and the need for asylum seekers to explicitly state sexual orientation during their application to be recorded will impact the number of recorded LGB applications. Additional information about the limitations of these statistics can be found in the ‘About the statistics’ section below.
1. Asylum applications with a sexual orientation element
Data in this section refer to asylum applications from main applicants made in 2023.
In 2023, 2% of asylum claims in the UK (1,377 claims) included sexual orientation as part of the basis for the claim (LGB asylum appli