Catholic charities have called on the government to protect the rights and dignity of people seeking asylum in the UK.

A petition organised by the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) and Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK) was handed in ahead of the Catholic Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 27 September.

The groups have criticised the changes made to the asylum system and are calling for the right to asylum to be restored, greater protection for refugees and an end to immigration detention.

Under rules introduced earlier this year, adults and accompanied children who are granted refugee status or humanitarian protection will receive 30 months' permission to stay, rather than five years, but those granted protection are required to apply for further permission if they still need it once their time is off. 

The Home Office says these applications will involve a "safe return review", assessing whether conditions in a person's country of origin have changed sufficiently for them to return.

The changes are part of a wider government effort to reshape the asylum system. Ministers say the new approach is intended to provide protection to people who need it while encouraging those whose countries become safe to return.

However, charities argue that the changes risk making an already difficult system more restrictive.

Sophie Cartwright from JRS UK said: "We see every day the impact of hostility and cruel policies targeting women, men and children seeking sanctuary. It is so encouraging that parishes, groups and individuals across the UK are calling for a different approach - rooted in humanity and dignity. As Christians we are called to welcome refugees."

Fiona Ranford from CSAN said: "Catholic communities across the UK are playing a crucial role in offering this supportive and welcoming response. But now they are calling on the UK government to play their part and change course by building a society which acknowledges the fundamental dignity of every person first."

Meghan Lawrence from the SVP said: "Every person seeking safety and sanctuary has a story, a family and a future that matters."

The petition is part of the Welcome the Stranger: Defend Asylum campaign, launched by the three charities.