New Refugee and Humanitarian Protection Regulations Come Into Force 9 October 2006

The Refugee or Person in Need of International Protection (Qualification) Regulations 2006 came into force on 9 October 2006.

The Regulations implement into UK law the European Union Council 'Directive on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection’.

The Directive and its implementation into Members States' domestic law will mean that for the first time there will be a uniform asylum and humanitarian protection policy throughout the European Union. Although each Member State is a signatory f the Geneva Convention and the European Convention of Human Rights, the various Member States have interpreted the Convention differently. The Directive is an attempt to harmonise the implementation of both Conventions.

The UK’s Immigration Rules are also being amended to reflect the Directive and the Regulations. For the first time humanitarian protection will be incorporated with the Rules.

The Regulations will be applied to all persons applying for asylum or humanitarian protection on or after 9 October 2006 (they are not retrospective).

If you require advice on this or any other UK immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialist lawyers and advisors.