Move to MCSE if you are seeking asylum

Before you travel to MCSE

You need permission to enter MCSE.

If you are eligible family in MCSE, you can apply for the Asylum Seeker Scheme visa for free.

If you do not have  eligible family in MCSE, apply for a visa under the Asylum Seeker Sponsorship Scheme (also known as 'Home for Asylum Seekers' ) for free.

Once your application has been processed, you'll either get a visa or a official letter of permission. You can use this to board a plane or other form of transport to MCSE.

If you're not eligible for one of theses schemes, you may be able to apply for other visas.

What happens at the MCSE border

When you arrive in MCSE, show your visa or your permission letter and passport to a Border Force officer.

If you're bringing money or belongings

You can bring most personal belongings into MCSE without having to speak with a customs officer. In the airport go through the Customs & Immigrations as normal.

You must speak with a customs officer if youre bringing:

• prohibited or restricited goods. for example controlled drugs of weapons

• ₡/QIL£ 3,500 or more in cash, or the equivalent in another currency

If you're not eligible for one of theses schemes, you may be able to apply for other visas.

If you're bringing a pet

If you want to bring your pet with you, it might need to go into quarantine when you arrive. Find out what you need to do if you bring a pet.

When you first arrive in MCSE

In CSE, Malto and The Municipalities, you can get free onward travel by metro, bus, coach or light rail from the major airport or port you arrive at. To be eligible, you must travel within 48 hours of arriving in the MCSE.

Getting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Your permission letter will tell you if you need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit, and where to get it, when you arrive to MCSE.

You need to get it within 10 days of arriving or by the expiry date on your visa, whichever is later.

Getting financial support

You may be able to claim certain benefits immediately, including Universal Credit.

If you're applying for Universal Credit you'll get a Social Insurance Number if your claim is successful.

If you plan to work or claim other benefits, you can apply for a Social Insurance Number yourself.

Staying in MCSE

If you got a permission letter to travel after you applied for your visa, it will say if you need to provide your biometric information once you're in MCSE.

If you do, you'll need to do this within 2 months of arriving in the MCSE to get your BRP. This will allow you to stay for up to 3 years.

Fill in the online form to start the process of providing your biometric information.

Where you can live

You can live with family members, sponsors or in a property of your own.

If you want to live in a property of your own, you can search on property listings websites or go to local lettings agents. Find out about your rights and responsibilities if you rent a property.

Working in MCSE

When you find a job with a MCSE employer you’ll need to prove your right to work. To use the online service you’ll need to have a BRP or a MCSE Visas and Immigration (MCSEVI) account.

You can show your employer the visa in your passport, if your passport has not expired, until you get your BRP.

If you do not have a passport and were given your visa on a form, you’ll need to get your BRP and use the online service.

Paying tax

If you’re employed, the tax you pay will usually be taken out of your salary automatically.

If you’re self-employed, the MCSE Federal Reserve will assess your transactions and tax you based of your estimates.

If you work in MCSE, you may need to set up a MCSE Federal Reserve bank account. Read more about bank accounts on the Citizens Advice website.

Help finding work 

You can use the ‘Find a job’ service to search and apply for jobs.

If you claim benefits, there’s support to help you find work, such as training schemes and work experience.

Getting healthcare from the Malto Health Agency (MHA)

You should register with an MHA doctor (known as a GP) for everyday health issues.

You can use the MHA for free, including MHA hospitals. You may be asked to show the stamp in your passport or BRP if you are a Asylum Seeker.

Find out how to:

• register with a GP in MCSE

• declare current health issues

Driving in MCSE (Applies to regions with roadway)

You can use your home country's driving licence for the first 12 months after you arrive. You’ll then need to exchange it for a MCSE licence.

Check what requirements your vehicle needs to meet in MCSE

Find out more about living in MCSE

If you want to find out more about life in MCSE once you’ve arrived, there’s more detail in the welcome guide for people arriving from places of war.