A new official handbook from the British Home Office for the mostly Muslim illegal immigrants has sparked strong reactions in the UK, as it contains basic guidance on how they should behave in the country, with specific references to sexual violence, abuse of women, and citizens’ rights.

According to the Daily Mail, the seven-page leaflet, titled “Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK: A guide for asylum seekers,” will be distributed as part of an awareness campaign for people arriving in the country and is expected to be translated into several languages.

The guide clearly states that sexual contact without the consent of the other person constitutes a serious criminal offense.

“Sex without consent is rape”

“If you have sex with someone without their consent, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime in the UK,” the text states.

At the same time, they are informed that they should not follow someone in the street, obstruct their path, make offensive gestures, or make unwanted sexually suggestive comments.

The guide also emphasizes that even comments someone may consider “compliments” are unacceptable when they cause discomfort, while behaviors such as whistling or making kissing noises at strangers are prohibited.

Warnings about minors and domestic violence

Particular emphasis is also placed on protecting children, as the leaflet makes clear that it is illegal to have sexual contact with anyone under the age of 16.

“There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if the child says ‘yes,’ it is still illegal,” the guide states.

It also explains that physical violence, threats, and controlling behavior constitute forms of domestic abuse and can result in serious criminal consequences.

The text further informs readers that women and men have equal rights in Britain, with women having the right to work, study, travel freely, and make their own decisions about their lives.

According to the guide, no husband, father, or brother can prevent a woman from working or studying, control what she wears or where she goes, or make decisions on her behalf without her consent.

Political clash over illegal immigration

The publication of the guide sparked an intense political dispute in Britain, with opposition figures arguing that the government is implicitly acknowledging problems with migrant integration.

Conservative spokesman Chris Philp said that “illegal and legal migrants are coming from countries and societies where attitudes toward women are completely incompatible with Western society.”

He further argued that “instead of the Home Office trying to educate these mainly young men, it should be proceeding with their deportation.”

Meanwhile, Reform UK’s spokesman for Home Affairs, Zia Yusuf, described the leaflet as “one of the strangest things he has seen,” arguing that it demonstrates that the government is aware of the risks associated with illegal immigration.

Increased arrivals across the English Channel

The discussion is taking place at a time of heightened political pressure surrounding the immigration issue in Britain.

Last year, according to figures cited by the British government, 41,472 people arrived in small boats across the English Channel, with most subsequently applying for asylum. Of these, 34,201 were men.

The largest national groups among those arriving were from Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Somalia.

At the same time, a new record was recently recorded when 230 migrants were aboard a single small boat, further increasing pressure on the government to adopt a stricter border-control policy.

“Anyone who breaks the law will face consequences”

The British Home Office defended the initiative, noting that everyone arriving in the country is required to respect its laws.

“We expect everyone who comes to the UK to abide by our laws. If they do not, they will face consequences, including having their asylum claim refused and being removed from the country,” a Home Office spokesperson said.

The guide is part of a broader effort to inform asylum seekers about the rules of British society, at a time when immigration, integration, and the protection of women are at the center of public debate.