Renfrewshire Council

Refugees and asylum seekers

Refugee and asylum seekers' rights, refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland, support for refugees and asylum seekers.

Refugee and asylum seekers' rights

Under the 1951 UN Refugees Convention, the UK and other signatories are obliged to consider properly any application for asylum made by a person who claims to be fleeing persecution by the state. 

Scotland recognises it is a human right to be able to seek asylum in another country.

A refugee is entitled to the same social and economic rights as any UK citizen. They have full access to medical treatment, education, housing and employment.


Refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland

The Scottish Government is responsible for issues which relate to asylum seekers living in Scottish communities, while their immigration application is being processed.

This includes integration initiatives, such as English language classes and translation assistance, and services such as health care, education and legal advice.

You can find out about what the Scottish Government does to support refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland on the Scottish Government website.


Support for refugees and asylum seekers

If you're a refugee or asylum seeker in Scotland, you can find out what support you can get on the Scottish Government website.

You can also find out about what support is available for refugees from Ukraine.