Begin with
better questions.

In general UNHCR usage, an asylum-seeker is someone who has applied, or intends to apply, for international protection and whose request has not yet been finally processed; in the UK process, a person waiting for a decision is called an asylum seeker. Not all asylum-seekers will be recognised as refugees. A refugee is a person who meets the applicable refugee criteria and is entitled to international protection. UNHCR explains that refugee status is declaratory: recognition confirms the status and helps provide access to associated rights, but the recognition decision does not create the underlying refugee condition. UK procedures and legal consequences vary, so use a qualified adviser for a personal case.

No. The New Scots strategy describes integration as a long-term, inclusive and multidirectional process involving people, communities, institutions and governance. It also describes inclusive, intercultural communities in which people share and learn from different cultures. BridgeIt uses that approach: learning how local institutions work should not require a person to make their language, culture or identity invisible.

The current New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy is built around six principles: integration from day one of arrival; a rights-based approach; restorative and trauma-informed practice; involvement of people with lived experience of forced displacement; inclusive, intercultural communities; and partnership and collaboration. The Scottish Government says refugees and people seeking asylum should be welcomed and supported to integrate from day one, not only after leave to remain is granted. The strategy commits to better access to essential services including education, housing, health and employment; it is a policy framework, not a guarantee of an individual outcome or entitlement.

No. BridgeIt provides general information and commentary; it does not assess eligibility, give individual immigration advice, prepare legal submissions or represent people. For a personal case, use the GOV.UK Immigration Advice Authority adviser finder or, in Scotland, the Scottish Legal Aid Board solicitor finder. Check registration, advice scope, fees and legal-aid availability directly with the adviser. Do not send passports, asylum statements, case numbers or other sensitive documents through this contact route.

The Scottish Refugee Council’s Asylum information guide is for people who want to claim asylum in Scotland and people who have applied and are waiting for a decision. It provides general information only, explains process stages and links to support, interpreting and legal-advice routes. Its Information for new refugees guide is an entry point for planning next steps after permission to stay, with links covering status, documents, money and benefits, housing, health, education and work. Use the New Scots Connect Map for local groups and support, and check each service’s current eligibility and opening arrangements.

Tell the service the language and dialect you need and ask how to request an interpreter. The Scottish Refugee Council says public services must provide an interpreter free of charge when one is needed, listing services such as the NHS, DWP, Social Security Scotland, legal-aid solicitors, Home Office, police, social services and schools. Its guidance says people should be able to express themselves fully, understand what is discussed, give feedback and refuse an interpreter they are unhappy with; it also says a male or female interpreter can be requested, although this may not always be possible. Charities and voluntary organisations may have different policies, so confirm arrangements with the service and raise any problem immediately.

BridgeIt Navigating Scotland is an independent knowledge project by Patricia Pfau. It links research interests, source-linked writing and practical explanations about migration, refugee integration and civic participation. It is not a Scottish Government or other government service, and it does not provide individual immigration advice.