As the world struggles with the spread of COVID-19, our upmost priority is protecting the health of our staff, our clients and the wider communities.

Asylum services

We run a 24/7 telephone helpline (0808 8010 503) which is free to call and available to anyone who has claimed asylum in the UK. Our advisers can also be reached via webchat or an online enquiry form.

All these channels enable us to provide the much-needed support and assistance to asylum seekers across the UK.

Our offices do not provide a walk-in service, they offer face to face appointments to asylum seekers residing within the initial accommodations only. Anyone else can contact us via the means above. We are working closely with the accommodation providers to ensure that measures are put in place to ensure the safety of our clients and staff. We are offering alternative arrangements to those deemed to be at risk.

We would like to ask other charities and agencies who support asylum seekers not to direct clients into our offices but to inform them of the alternative ways of contacting our service.

We can advise asylum seekers in their own language on topics such as:

• Claiming asylum and navigating the asylum process
• Applying for asylum support including accommodation
• Reporting accommodation maintenance issues, requests for assistance, asylum payment issues, complaints and feedback
• Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
• Finding legal representation, accessing healthcare and other services
• Support during the post-decision period

Other services

We have given guidance to advisers supporting our other services on how to assess those who may contact them for advice and guidance. Arrangements for face to face appointments are determined on individual needs and we employ alternative methods of support as appropriate. We are working in conjunction with the commissioners of our services to determine the best approach. 

We recommend that our clients and colleagues follow information from legitimate sources, such as the NHS and the World Health Organisation. We are monitoring the situation closely and our employees are given regular updates via internal communications.  

Advice in 20 languages is available from Doctors of the World here.