UK Refuses Asylum to Ukrainians on the Basis that It Is Safe To Return

The United Kingdom’s Home Office is refusing asylum to Ukrainians who fled from the war there after Russia invaded, on the grounds that it is safe to return even though the war is still raging.

In cases where the asylum seeker’s home town has been razed, the Home Office refusal letters usually say risks related to the war do not meet the threshold to be considered persecution under the refugee convention because the Ukrainians could relocate to an area in the country that will has public services. The letters say that to avoid being destitute, they can ask for help from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and local organizations.

Refusal of Ukrainian asylum applications has become especially common since a January decision by the Home Office that Kyiv and western Ukraine are “generally safe.” Kyiv is still subject to air strikes from Russia. Applicants are in limbo during the months it takes to go through the appeal process.

Click here for more details.