A Palestinian citizen of Israel has been granted asylum in the United Kingdom after a protracted legal battle, overcoming an attempt by former Home Secretary James Cleverly to block the claim. The 26-year-old man, known only as Hasan, is believed to be the first Palestinian holding an Israeli passport to be given refugee status in the UK.
A Life in Limbo and a 'Well-Founded Fear'
Hasan was born in Israel but came to the UK as a baby. Despite spending almost his entire life in Britain with his mother and siblings, he was repeatedly denied leave to remain or citizenship. He eventually claimed asylum, arguing he would face persecution in Israel due to his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations both in person and online while in the UK. He also cited the discrimination he would face as a Palestinian and a Muslim.
His initial application was refused. However, in a significant turn, on 11 March 2024, the day before a scheduled tribunal hearing, the Home Office informed Hasan he would be granted refugee status subject to security checks. This decision was abruptly withdrawn following media reporting and a direct intervention by the then Home Secretary, James Cleverly.
Political Intervention and Judicial Review
Documents revealed during subsequent legal proceedings showed the original decision to grant asylum referenced "substantial evidence of systematic discriminatory practices against Palestinians in Israel: apartheid, forced removal, restrictions of rights and exclusion from society".
Despite this, on 13 March 2024, Cleverly's deputy private secretary wrote to officials requesting "urgent advice" on options, including how "to withdraw and revoke the asylum claim." A Home Office official responded the next day, stating it was not proper for ministers to decide on such matters, as recognition of refugee status is a matter of law.
With support from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), Hasan successfully brought a judicial review over the reversal. After the Home Office was refused permission to appeal, he was finally granted asylum status just before Christmas 2024.
'A Genocidal, Apartheid Regime' and Lasting Impact
In a statement, Hasan described the profound impact of the Home Office's actions. "I was a baby when I came to the UK and I've lived here all my life – but the Home Office's cruel actions have kept me in precarity for decades," he said. He added that he had been denied the right to work, study, or rent for nearly seven years while his asylum claim was processed, living under the threat of removal to what he called "a genocidal, apartheid regime that persecutes Palestinians."
His solicitor, Taher Gulamhussein of JCWI, criticised the government's approach, noting that three home secretaries—both Tory and Labour—had wasted public money arguing against their own officials' conclusion that Hasan was a refugee. Seema Syeda, a JCWI spokesperson, suggested the public may question whether Israel applied diplomatic pressure on the home secretary.
Hasan continues to face delays in receiving his eVisa, which is necessary for him to secure housing and employment, and is seeking damages. The Home Office and James Cleverly have been approached for comment.
