The UK Home Office has issued a nine-page guide for asylum seekers that sets out basic expectations around gender equality and sexual consent, including that women are allowed to "earn their own money" and "make their own decisions about their lives."
According to the document, women may attend school, choose who they marry, travel freely, and make decisions without permission from men. The guide states: "Women do not need permission from a husband, father, brother, or any other man to do any of these things." It also says, "Men and women are treated equally by the law, by employers, by schools and by services like hospitals and the police. It is against the law to treat someone unfairly because of their gender."
The booklet includes sections on gender equality, domestic abuse, sex and consent, respect in public, getting help, and living in the UK. It warns that domestic abuse can lead to arrest and prison, and tells asylum seekers to "treat your partner and family with respect," "let them make their own choices," and "never physically or verbally abuse or control them." The guide also says: "You must never stop a woman from working or studying, control what a woman wears or where she goes, stop a woman from seeing friends or family or make decisions for a woman without her agreement."
On consent, the guide states that "if you have sex with someone without their consent, this is called rape" and warns of prison and consequences for asylum claims. It also notes that "anyone under the age of 16 is considered a child and cannot legally consent to sex," and that a person cannot consent if asleep, drunk, or unable to respond. Immigration officials warn: "Sex with someone under the age of 16 is a serious crime in the UK. There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if they say yes, it is still illegal. You could go to prison, lose your support and accommodation, and it will affect your asylum claim." Support hotline numbers are provided at the end of each section and the back of the booklet.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "We expect everyone who comes to the UK to abide by our laws. If they do not, they will face consequences, including the refusal of their asylum claim and removal from the UK." The spokesperson also noted that returns of failed asylum seekers have reached their highest level since 2010.
Political reactions
The guidance has drawn criticism from opposition politicians. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "Instead of trying to train these mainly young, male illegal immigrants to behave in a civilized way towards women, they should be deported." He added that immigrants come from "places and societies where attitudes towards women can be completely incompatible with Western society."
Zia Yusuf of Reform UK told the Daily Express: "The fact migrants have to be explicitly told not to beat their wives or children, not to harass people 'or else it can affect your asylum support', that women are equal to men and that consent means both people saying yes highlights the values and attitudes of those coming to the UK." He said that under a Reform UK government, illegal migrants "will be detained and deported."
Alicia Kearns, Shadow Safeguarding Minister, said violence against women and girls is a national epidemic and called the Home Office poster campaign an admission of danger.
Context and statistics
The Daily Express reported figures showing that 93,525 people sought sanctuary in the UK last year, down from 106,130 the previous year. Of those, 38,980 applied after crossing the Channel by small boat, and 36,711 claimed refuge after arriving on a study, work or visitor visa. Among visa arrivals, 10,835 held a study visa, 13,994 a work visa, 7,048 a visitor visa, and 4,834 other forms of leave.
The Express also referenced two recent cases involving asylum seekers convicted of sexual offences: two men were jailed for raping a woman on Brighton beach while a third filmed the attack, and an Afghan small boat migrant attacked a 12-year-old schoolgirl and filmed the rape.
The Home Office guide is part of a broader effort to inform asylum seekers of UK laws and expected behavior. The document does not appear to be mandatory reading but is provided as a resource.