Obeying the law
This page gives some important examples of laws that you must obey while you are waiting for us to make a decision on your asylum application.
Our police service works hard to protect everyone within the United Kingdom. Action will be taken against anyone found to be taking part in activities that are harmful, offensive, or have a negative effect on our society. In addition, breaking the law may harm your application.
It is illegal:
- to beg, or to break the law in any other way to obtain money;
- for you to work while we are considering your asylum application, unless we have given you permission to do so (see Employment). If you wish to work voluntarily (without being paid), you should speak to your case owner;
- to forge documents for any reason; and
- to carry a weapon such as a knife or a gun. You may not own a gun without a licence and some weapons are banned.
Driving in the United Kingdom
Laws about driving a car or other vehicle in the United Kingdom may be different from those in your home country. If you have access to a vehicle and you wish to drive, you must have:
- a current driving licence that is valid in the United Kingdom;
- insurance for the vehicle;
- a current, valid MOT certificate (this is a certificate, obtained from an authorised vehicle service centre, that states that the vehicle is safe to drive);
- paid the road tax and have a current, valid certificate of this (known as a tax disc) displayed in the front window of your vehicle.
It is against the law to drive if you do not have all of these things. For more information, see the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website.
It is illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For more information about this, see the Road Safety website.
Antisocial and violent behaviour
Some behaviour is not tolerated. This includes:
- noisy, disruptive, nuisance or intimidating behaviour;
- vandalism (deliberate damage) or graffiti (writing on walls in public places);
- begging, fighting, spitting or antisocial drunkenness;
- using or selling illegal drugs; and
- dumping rubbish or abandoning cars.
Please make sure your family knows this behaviour is not acceptable. The authorities will take action against anyone they find taking part in activities that affect other people in offensive or harmful ways. Those responsible may be arrested and detained.