“There’s no such thing as a Bogus Asylum Seeker:” Common Misconceptions about Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the UK
16/07/2026
by Kayla Sibanda
On Wednesday 8 July, the Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Refugee Forum partnered with Nottingham City Council to provide an information session on Asylum Seekers and Refugees, held at Quakers. In recent times, these are topics that have dominated much of the news and the media.
The main takeaways of the event included exploring terms, dissecting the common misconceptions surrounding asylum seekers as well as receiving first-hand accounts of how NGOs and not-for-profits within Nottinghamshire are supporting the cause.
Despite the intensity of these discussions the topic is frequently plagued by misinformation and mere speculation.
Asylum seekers and refugees are vulnerable people with lives as profoundly complex as anyone else’s – at times, even more. Therefore, when we discuss the topic of immigration and asylum seekers it is crucial to remain informed, whilst maintaining a sensitive approach to these topics.
The session was led by Barbara Spreiz Dhliwayo, a Volunteering and Engagement Manager at the Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum. With over 10 years experience at the Refugee Forum, Dhliwayo handles cases linked to the experiences of refugees, working closely with the Forum’s volunteer network.
Exploring the difference between an asylum seeker and refugee in the UK
Dhliwayo first delved into the terminology, providing context on common terms we have seen frequently in the headlines. For instance, refugee and asylum seekers are often conflated with one another though they have clear differences.
The definition of a refugee is provided by the 1951 Refugee Convention and is defined as follows:
‘Owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particularly social group or political opinion, is outside the country of their nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail [themself] of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of [their] habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to retain to it.’
Put simply, a refugee is an individual who is unable to live in their (home) country, which can be for a multitude of reasons. Another common misconception is that all refugees are fleeing war, though this is a fraction of refugees. For example, many individuals claim refugee status due to protected characteristics, such as their sexuality whereby they are at risk of persecution.
The key difference is that a refugee has had their claim accepted, whilst an asylum seeker has not yet had a result on their application. If their application is accepted, that is when their status transitions into refugee. Dhliwayo provided a clear distinction between refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting that ‘there’s no such thing as a bogus asylum seeker.’
There is also the chance for an asylum seeker to receive humanitarian protection, in cases where the individual cannot prove that they are specifically at risk but their home country is generally recognised as being unsafe. According to Home Office figures, in 2023, 3,571 people were granted humanitarian protection, a figure that represents 5.73% of the asylum seekers granted some form of protection that year, including refugee permission and alternative forms of protection.
The mounting challenges of an asylum seeker
It is true that some asylum seekers are accommodated in hotels, though this can conjure up false images of luxury and endless comfort. The reality is far different. Asylum seekers typically receive £49.18 per person a week in a shared accommodation. However, this reduces to £9.95 per week if they are in catered accommodation.
Most notably, asylum seekers are provided with accommodation on a no-choice basis which can lead to increased feelings of instability and anxiety in cases of being relocated – the system can often feel confusing and obscure.
Also at the event was Kairos, a community group supporting lesbian and bisexual women in Nottingham. The group has a specific focus on fostering a sense of community through workshops and outreach events. A volunteer for the group, Claire, highlighted the sense of insecurity participants can feel once they have been relocated – particularly when they find themselves in areas with fewer support networks for queer women.
Overall, the event provided insightful discussions and remarkable points on the topic of asylum seekers and refugees. Dhliwayo’s passion blended seamlessly with her expertise and knowledge, along with the rest of the participants who frequently provided additional comments. Dhliwayo placed the emphasis on intentional collaboration, ‘let’s work together’ – a concluding note that certainly resonated with everyone else in the room.
