UK
ASYLUM
There are many thousands of asylum seekers in the UK from all over the world.
Some have fled from countries of extreme political and civil strife such as Kosovo or Somalia. Others fear persecution from regimes that will not tolerate democratic opposition.
While many come to UK in the hope of finding sanctuary, others realise only after arrival that circumstances in their country have changed and that it would not be safe for them or their families to return.
The law relating to political asylum is a vast and complex area. It stems from the provisions of the UN Convention on Refugee Status signed in Geneva in 1951. The Convention and its implementation in domestic law have been interpreted and reinterpreted extensively by the British Courts, creating a body of case law that requires expert understanding in order to give asylum seekers the best possible advice and guidance.
Today UK immigration authorities scrutinise all asylum applications carefully. This is because of the increase in economic migrants from poorer areas of the world. Asylum seekers are often interviewed at length about their claims in order to judge their credibility.
Applications are often refused, but there is a right to appeal to an independent Special Adjudicator. DJ Webb & Co. has particular knowledge and a great deal of experience in making such appeals.
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE & ASSISTANCEDue to the complexity of the law and attitude of the authorities, it is important that asylum seekers obtain the very best professional advice from specialist immigration solicitors with wide experience in refugee law.
Applicants must have thorough and careful legal advice at each stage in order to ensure that they have had an opportunity to put their case forward in a clear and comprehensive manner and to avoid an unnecessary refusal.
Asylum seekers also require advice in respect of their housing needs and rights to social security benefits or other social assistance.
DJ Webb & Co employs two full time solicitors who work in this field and have gained a great deal of expertise.
They are be able to advise applicants in respect of:
- how to apply for asylum
- how to approach the interview
- evidence needed in support of an application
- preparing an appeal against a refusal
- the consequences of the grant of refugee status
- the applicant’s rights to welfare benefits or social assistance
- housing needs
- the rights to be joined by other family members
EXCEPTIONAL LEAVE TO REMAIN IN THE UK
For those who do not meet the criteria for refugee status, but whose cases disclose compelling compassionate circumstances, there is an alternative form of immigration status called exceptional leave to remain.
This is granted in cases where it is judged that it would be unduly harsh to require the individual to leave the UK or because such a requirement would result in a breach of an international convention such as the European Convention on Human Rights.
Our solicitors have experience in this field and are able to provide comprehensive advice in this regard.
UK LEGAL AID
DJ Webb & Co prides itself on providing assistance to the more vulnerable
sections of the community who have come to the UK not through choice but
through fear of the consequences of remaining in their country of origin.
We offer advice and assistance under the UK government's legal aid scheme to those who are financially eligible.
Clients must be present in the UK and visit our offices in person to enable their eligibility for legal aid to be established.