Migration And Refugees Questions Medium
The difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker lies in their legal status and the stage of their migration process.
A refugee is an individual who has been forced to leave their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on factors such as their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees have already crossed an international border and are outside their home country. They are unable or unwilling to return due to the fear of persecution and are granted legal protection and assistance by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or other relevant international organizations. Refugees are entitled to certain rights and protections under international law, including the right to seek asylum.
On the other hand, an asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home country and is seeking international protection but has not yet been granted refugee status. Asylum seekers are in the process of applying for asylum in another country, typically at the border or upon arrival. They are seeking recognition as refugees and are awaiting a decision on their asylum application. During this period, asylum seekers may face various challenges, including limited access to legal rights, social services, and employment opportunities. The determination of their refugee status is usually made by the host country's immigration authorities or a specialized asylum agency.
In summary, the main difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker is that a refugee has already been granted legal protection and recognized as having a well-founded fear of persecution, while an asylum seeker is still in the process of seeking international protection and awaiting a decision on their asylum application.