The United Nations Convention’s definition of an Asylum Seeker/Refugee is:
"Any person, who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of Race, Religion, Nationality, Membership of a particular Social Group or Political opinion, is outside the country of his Nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country."
When a person has lodged an asylum claim with the UK Border Agency (part of the Home Office) and is waiting for a decision on their claim they are often referred to as an 'asylum seeker'. A person is recognised as a refugee when their application for asylum has been granted.
The process for getting refugee status is complex, as is the process of appeal. It is vital that asylum seekers get legal advice and representation. Further information is available from the Scottish Refugee Council.