New behavioural guidance for asylum seekers has been published by the Home Office. The nine-page booklet, now available online, provides information on how UK laws and customs may differ from asylum seekers' home countries.
The guidance covers issues such as respect in public, sex and consent, and gender equality. It explains that women in the UK have equal rights to men and do not require permission from a man to work, study, travel, or make decisions. The document also clarifies that consent for sex or sexual contact must be given by both individuals and cannot be given if someone is asleep, drunk, or unable to respond.
Additionally, the booklet outlines that it is unacceptable to whistle, make kissing noises, or make sexual comments to people on the street. It states that asylum seekers must understand UK law, as breaking it could lead to trouble with the police, loss of asylum support, or affect their asylum claim.
Chris Philp, the Conservatives' shadow home secretary, called for the deportation of asylum seekers instead of attempting to change behaviour. Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, described the document as "a disgrace."
Home Office figures show that 93,525 people applied for asylum in the UK between April 2025 and March 2026, a 12% decrease from the previous year.