The role and responsibilities of the UK Home Office and the Scottish Government
An asylum seeker is given refugee status when s/he can prove that they have a well-founded fear of being persecuted. This can be for reasons of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. These terms are set out under the 1951 UN Convention.
Immigration and asylum are the responsibility of the UK Government's Home Office.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is an executive agency of the Home Office and is responsible for securing the United Kingdom borders and controlling mingration in the UK. They manage border control for the UK, enforcing immigration and customs regulations. They also consider applications for permission to enter or stay in the UK, Citizenship and Asylum.
The UKBA's responsibilities include the provision of Aslyum support which provides support, accommodation and financial help for asylum seekers while their claim is being considered.
An independent Advisory Board on Naturalisation and Integration ( ABNI) was established in 2004 to advise and report on the processes of initial and final assessment of understanding of language and civic structures as required by the Nationality, Immigration & Asylum Act 2002 for those seeking to become British citizens. It published it's third and final report in November 2008.
The UKBA is also responsible for the management of Immigration Removal Centres, such as Dungavel, which can be used to house people whose asylum claim has been unsuccessful and who await deportation.
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.
The Scottish Government is responsible for devolved issues which relate to asylum seekers who are 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.