A guidance booklet issued by Britain’s Home Office tells asylum seekers that rape and sexual harassment are crimes, while also explaining that women in the U.K. are free to “earn their own money” and “make their own decisions about their lives.”
The nine-page Home Office document is included among materials given to people seeking asylum in Britain, although much of its language appears to be directed primarily at men.
The guidance is designed to help new arrivals understand the standards of behavior expected in the U.K. It states that women have the right to work, go to school, decide whom to marry, travel independently and make choices about their own lives.
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Britain’s Home Office in London released a nine-page document outlining expected behaviors. (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group)
“Women do not need permission from a husband, father, brother, or any other man to do any of these things,” the guide says.
The booklet includes sections on gender equality, domestic abuse, sex and consent, respectful conduct in public, how to seek help and daily life in the U.K.
In its section on domestic abuse, the document warns that physical or emotional abuse against a partner can lead to arrest and imprisonment.
“We expect everyone who comes to the U.K. to abide by our laws,” a Home Office spokesperson told GB News. “If they do not, they will face consequences, including the refusal of their asylum claim and removal from the U.K.”
“Returns of failed asylum seekers have reached their highest level since 2010 under this government,” the spokesperson added.
The booklet notes that asylum seekers are expected to “treat your partner and family with respect,” “let them make their own choices,” and “never physically or verbally abuse or control them.”
In public, one must not direct sexual comments at people, even if they think it’s appropriate, follow someone or block their path to refrain from whistling or making kissing noises at someone, it states.
A section on consent adds that both people must consent to sex without threat or pressure and that anyone can change their mind at any time.
“If you have sex with someone without their consent, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime in the U.K. You could go to prison, lose your support and accommodation, and it will affect your asylum claim,” the document states.
Britain’s Home Office published a guide for asylum seekers on how to behave, including reminding them not to rape women and sexually abuse anyone. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Anyone under the age of 16 is considered a child and cannot legally consent to sex, according to the guidance.
Support hotline numbers for victims of sexual and domestic abuse are provided at the end of each section and at the back of the booklet.
Nearly 70,000 illegal immigrants and foreign criminals have been returned or deported from the United Kingdom since the Labour Party came to power in July 2024, the BBC reported.
“Instead of trying to train these mainly young, male illegal immigrants to behave in a civilized way towards women, they should be deported,” Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said.
