What does the term "asylum seeker" refer to?

The term "asylum seeker" specifically refers to a person who is seeking international protection from persecution in their home country. This usually entails a situation where the individual fears for their safety due to various reasons, such as their political beliefs, religion, ethnicity, or membership in a particular social group. The asylum seeker has arrived in another country with the intention of applying for asylum, which is a legal status granted to individuals who meet the criteria for refugee status under international law.

In contrast, individuals applying for a work visa are typically motivated by employment opportunities rather than escaping persecution. Similarly, temporary residents looking to establish permanent residency are focused on changing their immigration status through legal channels, and immigrants applying for family reunification aim to join family members who are already residing in the new country. These contexts differ significantly from the urgent need for protection that defines the status of an asylum seeker.