Discretionary Leave is a form of temporary leave granted to individuals who are in the UK but do not meet the usual requirements for asylum or other forms of leave to remain. This leave is granted case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Home Office, which is generally granted to individuals facing exceptional circumstances that may not neatly fit within any of the categories of immigration, but are still in need of protection or permission to remain in the UK for a short time.

The reasons why a person would be given Discretionary Leave are diverse, but common ones include:

1. Humanitarian Protection: A person who does not meet the asylum requirements but is at risk of suffering harm in his or her own country may be awarded Discretionary Leave. As long as the victims are threatened by violence, persecution, or other grave danger to their lives, there is still a chance for humanitarian protection, even without qualification under formal refugee status.
2. Compassionate Grounds: In other cases, Discretionary Leave can be awarded on compassionate grounds, including that one has members of the family in the UK or any other personal reasons to warrant an exemption. The grounds may be related to the applicant’s health, well-being, or remaining in the UK for other current legal or humanitarian matters.

    3. Victims of Trafficking or Exploitation: Those individuals who are being trafficked or exploited or who, as a part of cooperation with investigations, might be provided with Discretionary Leave so that they can receive support and assistance to recover and rebuild their lives.

4. Time-limited stay owing to unresolved immigration claims: Some people are offered Discretionary Leave if their immigration claims have not been sorted out, which may include pending appeals or other applications that may take more time to process. In such circumstances, the Home Office may offer the person an opportunity to stay in the UK until they receive a determination on their application.

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