The Immigration Rules, Paragrpah 327 defines an applicant for asylum as a person who makes a request to be recognised as a refugee under the Refugee Convention on the basis that it would be contrary to the UK’s obligation under that convention for him to be removed from or required to leave the UK, or otherwise make a request for international protection.

“Article 1 A. Of the Refugee Convention: the claimant owing to a well-founded fear of being prosecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having any nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it”