Useful links for asylum seekers and refugees

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

This page lists organisations that provide advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees.

Ethnic Minorities Law Centre

Based in Glasgow, the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre offers legal services exclusively to people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and specialises in discrimination and immigration issues. The Law Centre operates a telephone helpline and appointment system. Visit their website for more information.
www.emlc.org.uk

Glasgow City Council

Glasgow City Council runs a freephone telephone number for asylum seekers and refugees living in the Glasgow area. This helpline provides information on a range of services and local resources including language classes, childcare, social and leisure activities.
www.glasgow.gov.uk

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid provides support and practical help to Asian, black and ethnic minority women who have suffered mental and physical harassment and abuse either from their partner, ex-partner or within their extended family. Services include a drop-in centre and refuge.
www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk/hemat.html

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)

The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) is the UK's largest charity providing representation and advice in immigration and asylum law. These services are free to people who are eligible, and IAS also offers a fee-paying (non-profit) service. IAS has offices and surgeries across the UK - visit their website to find one near you.
www.iasuk.org

Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture

In Scotland, this Medical Foundation offers support and therapy for asylum seekers and refugees who have been victims of torture.
www.torturecare.org.uk

Positive Action in Housing (PAIH)

Positive Action in Housing provides advice and support for people facing homelessness, racial attacks or poor housing conditions and helps refugees and asylum seekers overcome their housing difficulties. The Frontline Housing Advisory Service has outreach surgeries throughout Glasgow - details can be found on the PAIH website. The charity also organises donations for vulnerable individuals and families.
www.paih.org

Scottish Refugee Council (SRC)

The Scottish Refugee Council is an independent charity that provides advice, information and assistance to asylum seekers and refugees living in Scotland. Caseworkers also provide specialist advice on family reunion, housing and welfare, education and employment and women's issues. Refugees and those seeking asylum can call Scottish Refugee Council's free advice line on 0800 085 6087.
www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

Shakti Women's Aid

This service run by black women offers advice, information, counselling, support and temporary accommodation for black and minority ethnic women and their children escaping domestic violence. Workers can provide information on housing, benefits, legal issues, immigration, nationality, racial harassment and health. Languages spoken include Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Singhalese, Swahili and Urdu.
www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk

UK Border Agency

The UK Border Agency is responsible for processing asylum applications and providing support and accommodation for asylum seekers.
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk