Young Wrexham

Housing

For immigrants, visitors and asylum seekers there are different rights and entitlements in relation to housing whilst in the UK and Wales.

European Nationals

• European Nationals living in the UK have the same rights as people born in this country and are able to access housing benefit support if unemployed, actively seeking work or studying

Visitors

• Most visas do not allow visitors and immigrants to claim benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid by the state
• They are expected to arrange their own accommodation whilst in the UK for the duration of their visa

Asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable to becoming homeless as they can experience difficulties without the rights to private rented accommodation, benefits or employment while their application is being considered.

If an asylum seeker is allowed to stay in the UK during the application period, accommodation options include:

• Staying with friends or relatives
• Being held at a secure accommodation centre
• Being housed by the UK Border Agency

Being housed by the UK Border Agency

• If an asylum seeker has nowhere to stay and no means of paying to stay somewhere, they will usually be given emergency housing while their application is being processed
• Asylum seekers cannot choose where they live if they need the state to provide accommodation but will be provided transport to get there
• If accommodation is offered it will be included in the Asylum Support Agreement
• If the conditions of the agreement are broken such as not staying in contact with the case owner or failing to inform them of a change in your circumstances then support will be stopped and they may then be detained in a secure accommodation centre

Refugees

• Asylum seekers that have been successful in their application to the UK Border Agency and been given refugee status have the same right to housing as UK citizens
• If receiving income support or jobseekers allowance they are entitled to housing benefit to help pay towards the cost of housing
• Refugees may also apply for housing benefit if they are on a low income through Jobcentre Plus