Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2009. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what documentation her Department provides to asylum seekers when they claim asylum after arrival in the UK; and what services such people are entitled to receive on arriving in the country.

Answer: Asylum applicants and their dependants are issued with an Application Registration Card (ARC) on or after arrival in the United Kingdom, as an acknowledgement of an asylum claim made to the UK Border Agency. The card contains information about the identity and immigration status of the holder.Asylum applicants are also issued with information sheets which set out the services they are entitled to receive for the duration of their claim. This includes health care, schooling for children and, subject to their financial circumstances, access to legal representation and benefits.

Secondary information