New UK asylum arrivals to get educated on rape, women's rights

Britain’s Home Office has issued new informational booklets for asylum seekers explaining UK laws and customs, with guidance on rape, sexual consent and domestic abuse included for the first time.

The nine-page booklet is available online and provides guidance on laws and social practices that may differ from those in asylum seekers’ countries of origin, according to coverage by the BBC.

A section on gender explains that women in the UK have equal rights to men and do not need permission from a husband, father, brother or any other man to work, study, travel or make their own decisions.

Another section on sex and consent explains that both people must agree to sexual activity or sexual contact of any kind. It also states that consent cannot be given if a person is asleep, drunk or otherwise unable to respond.

The Home Office 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."

According to the latest Home Office figures, 93,525 people applied for asylum in the UK between April 2025 and March 2026, a 12% decrease from the previous 12-month period.

The booklet states that asylum seekers must understand UK law because breaking it could have serious consequences.

It warns that "you could get in trouble with the police, lose your asylum support, or it could affect your asylum claim."

The new guidelines also address behaviour in public that may be considered disrespectful or sexually inappropriate towards women.

They explain that it is not acceptable to whistle at people or make kissing noises at them in the street. The guidance also warns against making sexual comments towards someone, "even if you think it is a compliment".

The booklet also provides contact details for organisations offering support to victims and people seeking help with the issues covered in the guidance.

Political reaction

The new guidance has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

The Conservatives said asylum seekers who break UK law should be deported, while Reform UK said the publication showed that the government "knows that they are a menace".

The Home Office defended its approach, with a spokesman saying: "Returns of failed asylum seekers have reached their highest level since 2010 under this government."

The BBC reported that nearly 10,000 foreign criminals, including murderers and rapists, have been removed since the last election, representing a 36% increase compared with the previous 21 months.

By Nazrin Sadigova