‘Don’t Rape, S*xually Assault or Make Kissing Noises’: What’s in UK Guide for Asylum Seekers?

A guide for asylum seekers published by the Home Office has told them not to rape or s*xually harass people, including partners and children. The document tells people arriving in the UK after fleeing other countries that women are allowed to "earn their own money" and "make their own decisions about their lives."

Men appear to be the primary target for the instructions, although there are also resources for asylum seekers who think they may be victims of illegal behaviour.

Guidance Warns Against S*xual Remarks, Stalking And Rude Gestures

The guidance states that people are expected to not make s*xual remarks about someone "even if you think it is a compliment," whistle or make "kissing sounds" at someone, follow someone or "block their path," make rude or offensive gestures, or "verbally abuse someone because of their gender, religion, or how they look." ‘Did You Enjoy That’: Pakistani Asylum Seeker Jailed 10 Years for Raping ‘Particularly Vulnerable’ UK Teen in Park.

The guidance warns throughout that breaking the law can lead to trouble with law enforcement, lead to someone losing accommodation or support, and could affect an asylum claim. People are warned it's a serious crime to take or share s*xual images without someone's consent. As well as the guidebook, a series of posters have been designed by the Home Office to inform asylum seekers. UK S*x-Work Poisoning Case: Duo Admits to Manslaughter of 2 Men in Spiking Scheme.

The guidance was published in a nine-page document titled "Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK: A guide for asylum seekers." Sections include gender equality, domestic abuse, s*x and consent, and respect in public, as well as getting help and living in the UK.

101,000 People Claimed Asylum In Year Ending December 2025

Some 101,000 people claimed asylum in the year ending December 2025, 4 percent less than the previous year, with around 46,000 detected arrivals coming to Britain via illegal routes, such as small boats.

Illegal migration and the visible issue of people crossing the Channel in small boats are policy areas the government is determined to look tough on, and these documents are understood to be part of a plan to ensure not knowing the law is not an excuse for illegal actions. It has also been focused on by parties like the Conservatives and Reform UK, and there have been a series of high-profile criminal cases involving asylum seekers.

Conservative And Reform UK Figures Criticise The Guidance

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said, "Instead of trying to train these mainly young, male illegal immigrants to behave in a civilised way towards women, they should be deported."

In a video posted on X, Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf described the guidance as a "disgrace."

Mahmood Wants 'Fair Spread' Of Asylum Housing

The home secretary wants a "fair spread" of accommodation to house asylum seekers. Shabana Mahmood spoke to The Times after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last week we "cannot have a situation" where only the poorest areas of Britain are hosting them.

Mahmood said she wants to use a mix of sites, including old military bases and former student halls. "You've got to get a fair spread," she said, "that doesn't end up being in one community or one type of community. In a way it doesn't really matter whether you're in an affluent part of the country or in a more deprived constituency like mine. A change in the population, the demographic and the housing in which asylum seekers are often housed and the transient nature of that population do have an impact on communities."

What The Guidance Says On Gender Equality And Domestic Abuse

Examples of the guidance in the document include a section stating that "everyone in the UK is expected to treat men and women equally," and "even if you are a family member, like a husband, father or brother," you must never do things like stop a woman working or studying, control what she wears or where she goes, or make decisions for her without her agreement.

Domestic abuse is defined in the guidance as physical violence, threats, controlling behaviour, emotional abuse and taking away someone's documents. Asylum seekers are told they are expected to treat family and their partners with respect, let them make their own choices, and never physically or verbally abuse or control them.

S*x And Consent Chapter Explains Rules On Consent

The s*x and consent page explains that both people must consent to s*x without threat or pressure, someone can change their mind at any time even if they agreed previously, and someone "asleep, drunk, or unable to respond" cannot consent. It adds, "Consent is needed in every situation. This means even if you are married or in a relationship with someone, they must consent to s*x every time."

The chapter says that people are expected to never use "threat, force or pressure" to make someone have s*x, never try to have s*x with someone who is asleep, drunk or unable to consent clearly, and to stop if someone says no or changes their mind. It is mentioned that anyone under the age of 16 is considered a child and therefore legally cannot consent to having s*x.

How to behave in public is also covered, with asylum seekers "told that people have different beliefs, religions, cultures, relationships and ways of life," and they must "treat others with respect, even if you disagree with their beliefs or how they live."

Support numbers for victims are provided at the bottom of each section and in a chapter at the end of the document.

Home Office Responds To Guidance Criticism

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 above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2026 07:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).