Asylsøkere

Asylsøkere are individuals who have left their home country and are seeking protection in another country. They formally request asylum, which is the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive protection from persecution. The process typically involves applying for asylum upon arrival in the destination country or at a border crossing. Asylum claims are then assessed by the authorities of the host country, who determine whether the applicant meets the criteria for international protection. These criteria are usually based on well-founded fears of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, as defined by international conventions like the 1951 Refugee Convention.

If an asylum claim is granted, the individual is recognized as a refugee and is typically granted a temporary or permanent right to reside in the host country, along with access to services such as housing, healthcare, and education. If the claim is rejected, the individual may be subject to deportation. The legal frameworks and procedures for processing asylum applications vary significantly between countries. International organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), play a role in advocating for the rights of asylum seekers and assisting in the asylum process. The term "asylum seeker" is distinct from "refugee," as it refers to the period before a formal decision on their claim has been made.