Asylum seekers
We know that misinformation around immigration and asylum can spread quickly — and sadly, it can cause unnecessary tension in our communities. Therefore, it’s important we’re equipped with the facts so we can help keep the conversation grounded and respectful.
Who are we talking about?
- Migrants are people who move from one country to another — maybe to work, study, join family, or start a new life. You might hear terms like “legal” or “illegal” migrant, which refer to whether someone has official permission to be here. Migrants make a big contribution to the UK — they fill job gaps, start businesses, and pay taxes. They’re part of the fabric of our economy and communities.
- Asylum seekers are people who’ve fled their home country because they’re afraid — of war, violence, or persecution. They’ve asked for protection here in the UK and are waiting for a decision. While they wait, they’re usually housed by the Home Office and aren’t allowed to work.
- Refugees are asylum seekers whose claims have been accepted. The government agrees it’s not safe for them to return home. Refugees have the right to live, work, and access services — just like anyone else in the UK.
Myths and the truth
There’s a lot of talk about migration in the UK right now — but sadly, not all of it is based on facts. Misinformation can spread quickly, and when it does, it can cause real harm: fuelling division, creating confusion, and overshadowing the experiences of people who’ve fled war, violence or persecution in search of safety.
Here in Coventry, we want to be known for something better — compassion, fairness and truth. By sharing accurate information, we can help build a city that’s welcoming to everyone, where people feel safe, respected and supported.
Common claims and the facts behind them
Let’s set the record straight:
- Claim: Councils choose where asylum seekers are housed.
Truth: Accommodation is arranged by the Home Office, not local councils. - Claim: Asylum seekers get generous financial support.
Truth: Support is minimal — £9.95 per week for those in hotels, and £49.18 for those in other housing. It’s meant to cover basic essentials. - Claim: They should just get a job.
Truth: Government policy doesn’t allow asylum seekers to work while their claim is being processed. - Claim: They’re here for freebies.
Truth: People seeking asylum have fled unimaginable circumstances. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. - Claim: They get free phones.
Truth: No, they don’t. Some may receive basic support from charities to stay in touch with loved ones, but phones and internet access aren’t provided by the government or paid for with public money. - Claim: Asylum seekers are treated better than homeless people or veterans.
Truth: The Government has a legal duty to house asylum seekers while their claims are reviewed. Councils also have a duty to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These are separate issues, and both are taken seriously. Coventry has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring fair access to services for veterans. - Claim: Asylum seekers cause more crime.
Truth: There’s no evidence to support this. The vast majority are law-abiding, Misinformation and/or disinformation can fuel harmful stereotypes and even violence against asylum seekers. - Claim: They’re living in luxury hotels.
Truth: The hotels used are budget or repurposed buildings. Rooms are small, often shared, with no kitchens and little privacy. People have no choice over where they’re placed. - Claim: They jump the queue for housing.
Truth: Refugees go through the same housing application process as everyone else. There’s no automatic priority — it’s all based on need.
You can also read the UK Government's: Asylum seekers in the UK: common questions in 2025.