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Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Asylum & Refugees

Refugee status

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

nounCommon term

In immigration & visas, refugee status means: The legal recognition, given by a country or by the UN refugee agency, that a person is a refugee and has the rights that come with it.

In Turkish: mülteci statüsü

How it is used

People are granted or refused refugee status. It usually brings permission to stay, to work and to travel with a special travel document, and in some countries a later route to permanent residence. It can be reviewed or ended in certain situations.

Example sentences

  1. She was granted refugee status after a long interview and two years of waiting.

  2. With refugee status he can finally work legally and rent a flat.

Common collocations

  • grant refugee status
  • be granted refugee status
  • recognised refugee
  • refugee travel document
  • refugeeA person who has left their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution and who needs international protection.
  • asylumProtection that a country gives to a person who has left their own country because they fear serious harm or persecution there.
  • humanitarian protectionPermission to stay given to a person who does not qualify as a refugee but would face a real risk of serious harm, such as torture, if returned.
  • asylum seekerA person who has asked for protection in another country and is waiting for the authorities to decide on the claim.
  • permanent residenceThe right to live in a country without a time limit, usually also with the right to work, even though you are not a citizen.

More terms: Asylum & Refugees

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.