Assisting people who are seeking protection in the UK has been at the heart of our work since the firm was founded in 2002. We have a dedicated asylum team within the firm and have represented asylum claimants in a number of key cases.
The right to seek asylum is enshrined in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and incorporated into UK law through domestic legislation and the Immigration Rules.
In the UK, we talk about making a ‘protection claim’. A protection claim includes any claim made on asylum (Refugee Status) or humanitarian grounds (Humanitarian Protection).
Making a claim for protection can be stressful and it is vital that you receive expert advice as early as possible. Whether you are claiming asylum for the first time, or are thinking of making a ‘fresh claim’ for asylum or on humanitarian grounds, we will provide clear, honest advice and support you throughout the process.
We are also able to assist with applications for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after completion of 5 years in the UK as a refugee or beneficiary of humanitarian protection.
We hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency to provide legal aid (free legal advice and assistance) to those seeking asylum, making fresh claims or applying for settlement. This funding is subject to strict eligibility criteria, both in terms of your income and the merits of the case. Check your financial eligibility here. If you are not eligible, we can assist you on a private paying basis and will discuss costs with you before starting work on your case.
Unaccompanied children
We work very closely with Local Authorities and other support agencies to assist unaccompanied children who are seeking asylum or applying for further leave to remain.
All our solicitors and caseworkers working with children are accredited at Level 2 (Senior Caseworker) by the Law Society and undergo regular enhanced DBS checks
Statelessness
Article 1(1) of the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons sets out the definition of a stateless person as someone ‘who is not considered as a national by any State under the operation of its law.’
The question of statelessness may arise as part of an asylum claim, or may arise as a ‘standalone’ claim. Such claims are very complex and require a great deal of evidence to succeed.
Unfortunately these claims are not automatically covered by Legal Aid. Depending on the merits of the case, it may be possible to apply for Exceptional Case Funding for these applications but this will need to be assessed on a case by case basis.
Family Reunion
Legal Aid is not generally available for Family Reunion cases. In some complex matters we may be able to apply for Exceptional Case Funding. If this is not possible, our Personal & Family Immigration team will be happy to discuss a fixed fee quote with you.