Asylum seekers: news, policy and practical updates

Asylum seekers are people who flee their countries and ask for protection elsewhere. This tag collects news, analysis and guides that explain how migration policies, court rulings, and crises affect them. If you want fast, clear updates about asylum issues across Africa and beyond, this is the place.

What you'll find here

Breaking news on new arrivals, refugee flows, border measures, camp conditions, legal decisions, and diplomatic talks. In-depth pieces explain policy changes in South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Europe and the Americas. Expect reports from the ground, interviews with experts, and explainers that cut through technical jargon.

Our coverage highlights events that change lives: sudden expulsions, court rulings on legal status, international aid shifts, and emergency evacuations. We link headlines to practical effects — school access, work permits, detention risks, healthcare gaps — so readers see what decisions mean in real terms.

How we verify stories: reporters use official statements, legal documents, interviews, NGO briefings and satellite or field reporting when possible. We note when details are unconfirmed and update articles as new facts emerge. That helps readers trust what's new and what’s still developing.

If you are seeking asylum

Register with local authorities or the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as soon as you can. Keep identity documents, medical records, and any proof of persecution safe and copies accessible. Ask for legal advice — many cities have clinics and NGOs offering free or low-cost help. Attend scheduled interviews and keep a record of all communications.

If you face detention or denied entry, contact a lawyer or an NGO quickly. Use translators if you don't speak the local language and insist on understanding your rights. Medical needs matter: seek urgent care and document injuries or threats; those records can support your asylum claim.

How to help asylum seekers: donate cash to reputable organizations — cash gives aid groups flexibility. Volunteer with local reception centers, offer language help, or support legal aid clinics. Small things like phone credit, public transport vouchers, or clothing can make an immediate difference.

Terms to know: asylum seeker, refugee, internally displaced person (IDP), temporary protection and resettlement. We explain these terms in plain language in our explainers so you can read policy news without confusion.

Follow developments: subscribe to our asylum seekers tag alerts, follow reporters covering migration, and check UNHCR and trusted NGOs for official updates. During fast-moving crises, official agency briefings and court documents are the most reliable sources.

We cover Africa closely because movements there shape global migration. From North African transit routes to southern border policies, our stories show how local decisions ripple outward and affect people on the move.

If you have tips, documents or a first-hand account, contact our newsroom. We protect sources and can help share critical information quickly. Your voice can bring attention to urgent needs and shape the next headline.

Expect varied responses from governments. Some expand temporary protection during crises; others tighten borders. Track dates and deadlines for asylum applications, and keep copies of any paperwork you submit. Missing deadlines can close options but many places offer appeals — get advice.