Definitions

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, to settle in a new location. It may be voluntary or involuntary. Reasons for migrating include economic, environmental and social issues. 

What is a migrant? A migrant is a person who has moved away from their country of origin, usually for work, study or to join family. 

What is a refugee? A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their home country to escape war, persecution, violence or national disaster and is not able to return until conditions are safe again. A refugee has a legal status that provides them with rights and protections. 

Ukrainians arriving through the Homes for Ukraine scheme are referred to as guests as they stay in homes of UK sponsors or hosts. Although they do not have refugee status in the UK, they are refugees by definition. 

What is an asylum seeker? An asylum seeker is a person who is in the process of claiming protection in another country, having left their home country due to war, persecution, violence or national disaster. While waiting for a decision on their asylum claim, they will have limited rights in the country of asylum. Not every asylum seeker will be recognised as a refugee.