People seeking asylum are forced to flee countries such as Syria, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Eritrea due to conflict and persecution, many having been threatened, detained, beaten or tortured.  The UK is signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and people who claim asylum are exercising a legal right to seek protection. The process can take years during which asylum seekers (AS)   are entitled to health care under the Geneva Convention and UK law.

CCGs have an obligation under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to tackle health inequalities. Asylum seekers are at the margins of society, and getting services right for this excluded group will generate learning for the care and inclusion of other marginalised groups.  An appropriate service will offer care according to need, a founding principle of the NHS, and central to patient safety, health and quality improvements, and social cohesion.

See attached ‘Health needs of refugees and people seeking asylum’ document for more information.