Individuals who flee their home country because of serious danger may be able to seek protection in the United Kingdom. While many people apply for asylum, some individuals may instead qualify for Humanitarian Protection (HP) if they do not meet the strict definition of a refugee under international law.
What Is Humanitarian Protection?
Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution because of a protected characteristic such as:
Race
Religion
Nationality
Political opinion
Membership of a particular social group
However, people fleeing war, armed conflict, or widespread violence may not always meet this specific definition. In such circumstances, they may still qualify for Humanitarian Protection.
Humanitarian Protection is granted to individuals who face a real risk of serious harm if they return to their country of origin.
What Counts as “Serious Harm”?
Serious harm may include:
A serious and individual threat to life or person caused by indiscriminate violence
Situations of international or internal armed conflict
Other circumstances where returning to the home country would expose a person to grave danger
This means that people who are unable to return home because of war or widespread violence may be eligible for protection in the UK even if they do not qualify as refugees.
How to Apply for Humanitarian Protection
If you are already in the UK and cannot safely return to your country due to conflict or violence, you may apply for protection by making an asylum claim.
When an asylum claim is submitted, the Home Office will automatically assess whether you qualify for Humanitarian Protection if you do not meet the refugee criteria.
It is important to make your claim as soon as possible and provide evidence showing why returning to your country would place you at serious risk.
What Happens If Your Application Is Successful?
If Humanitarian Protection is granted, you may be allowed to:
Stay in the UK for a period of time
Work and access certain public services
Receive support if eligible
Humanitarian Protection is usually granted for a limited period, but in some cases individuals may later become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
How Fard Solicitors Can Help
Applying for asylum or Humanitarian Protection can be complex and requires strong evidence and careful preparation. Professional legal advice can significantly improve the chances of a successful application.
At Fard Solicitors, our experienced immigration lawyers assist individuals with asylum and protection claims, ensuring applications are prepared thoroughly and presented effectively.
If you believe you may qualify for Humanitarian Protection in the UK, contact our team for expert advice.
📧 Email: info@fardsolicitors.com
🌐 Website: www.fardsolicitors.com