In this section
About us
Introduction
The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 established new support arrangements for asylum seekers and their dependants. They replaced previous entitlements which asylum seekers had for social security and other benefits.
The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), consider whether an applicant and their dependants meet the test of destitution as set out in the legislation, and then determine to what extent support should be provided. This support may include the provision of accommodation and cash for essential needs.
If the BIA refuse to provide support or, after they have been providing support, decide to stop or withdraw it, an asylum seeker can appeal to us against their decision.
Mission Statement
We provide an independent appeal mechanism for Asylum Seekers whose applications for support have been refused or discontinued.
Appeals will be heard in a fair and just manner.
Our staff, and all support staff, are committed to providing an efficient, professional and accessible service.
What we do
We are an independant organisation that considers appeals against decisions made by BIA. We do not deal with asylum claims, or any other immigration matters. We can only consider appeals against a refusal or termination of support made by BIA.
When determining an appeal the adjudicator can make one of three decisions.
- Ask the Secretary of State to reconsider the matter.
- Substitute the decision being appealed against with their decision;. Or
- Dismiss the appeal.
The adjudicators must give their reasons in writing and the decision of the adjudicator is final.
More information about what we do »
Adjudicators and Tribunal Staff
The appointment of the Asylum Support Tribunal (AST) was made by the Secretary of State under Section 102 and Schedule 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 on 3 April 2000. AST is administered by the Tribunals Service (TS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
There is:
- A full time Chief Asylum Support Adjudicator (CASA),
- A full time Deputy Chief Asylum Support Adjudicator (DCASA),
- 2 full time adjudicators and
- 21 sessional adjudicators.
The adjudicators will hear and determine appeals within set time limits. They are responsible for delivering a fair, fast and effective appeal mechanism for asylum seekers denied support under the Asylum Support Scheme, or those from whom such support has been withdrawn.
