How does the Welsh Government plan to expand the rights of refugees and asylum seekers to access services under its Nation of Sanctuary plan?
Immigration, including asylum and the status and capacity of persons in the United Kingdom who are not British citizens are reserved matters to the UK Government.
Asylum seekers and refugees have different legal statuses and different entitlements under UK immigration law. An asylum seeker is someone whose claim for protection has not yet been finally decided. Refugee status is granted where a person’s claim for protection has been accepted, giving them legal permission to remain in the UK and access to wider rights, including the right to work. By contrast, people seeking asylum are generally not permitted to claim mainstream benefits and are usually supported through the UK Government’s asylum support system while their claim is considered.
The Welsh Government does not change immigration status or reserved entitlements; rather, we support the integration of refugees and people seeking asylum in Wales and work to ensure they can access devolved services and support where they are eligible under UK immigration law.