Refugee
Definition: A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country, due to a well founded fear of persecution
Under international law, a refugee is a person who is outside their country of nationality or habitual residence, has a well founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and who is unable or unwilling to avail themself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution. When a person seeks sanctuary in another country, they usually apply for "asylum" which is the right to be officially recognised as a refugee. Once an asylum seeker is given refugee status they have the same rights and entitlements to housing as a British citizen.
Whilst there are few specialist housing support services for people with refugee status, refugees will be eligible for generic services (such as tenancy and resettlement support), homelessness services (temporary supported hostels etc) and be considered a prioity for these services. Positive Action in Housing (PAiH), the Scottish Refugee Council's Housing Casework Team, and Glasgow City Council's Refugee Support Team all provide specialist housing services for refugees.
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