Authorities make a distinction between refugees and asylum seekers. Refugees are defined as people who have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group, forcing them to seek safety in a different country. One of the most fundamental principles laid down in international law is that refugees should not be expelled or returned to situations where their life and freedom would be at risk.
Asylum seekers are people who apply for the right to be recognised as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance. Asylum seekers must prove to the authorities that their fear of persecution in their home country is well founded.
REF. : 20160616STO32440
