Asylum

Applying for asylum and need expert legal advice? First Law Solicitors is ready to help.

At First Law Solicitors, our Asylum Solicitors have a wealth of experience in bringing asylum claims and appealing refusals. Our industrious, multi-lingual team will be by your side every step of the way through the asylum application process. We understand the challenges and difficulties you have faced to reach the UK and the hostile environment you may encounter when it comes to dealing with immigration officials. We will not be intimidated and will leave no stone unturned to ensure your human rights are respected and your asylum application is fairly considered.

We cannot change the law; however, with skilful planning and hard work, our team can give you the best chance of receiving asylum so you can begin a safe life in the UK.

Our Solicitors are highly empathetic and 100% focused on achieving asylum status for you. We will never give up if there is a chance we can succeed in getting a positive outcome.

What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?
The Refugee Convention 1951 defines a refugee as someone who has fled their country due to a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion”. A person who meets this definition is automatically a refugee. However, to benefit from the provisions of the 1951 Refugee Convention, you must be recognised as a refugee. This is essentially what an asylum claim is aimed at achieving. It is a request for the country of refuge to provide the rights set out in the Convention. An asylum seeker is someone who is waiting for their status as a refugee to be acknowledged.

What is the asylum process in the UK?
You must apply for asylum as soon as you arrive in the UK or discover it is unsafe for you to return to your home country. Upon applying for asylum, you will attend a meeting with an immigration officer where your photograph and fingerprints will be taken, and you will be interviewed to establish where you are from and why you want asylum. This is referred to as a screening.
You will then be given a date to attend an asylum interview with a caseworker. Whilst you are waiting for a decision, you may be detained at an immigration removal centre.

Can I bring a Solicitor to an asylum interview?
Yes, and an interpreter must be provided if you cannot speak good English. During the interview you will be asked some tough questions about why you left your home country, how you were persecuted, and why you are afraid to return.

How First Law Solicitors can help

Consultation and Assessment
If you are granted asylum you are entitled to many benefits under the 1951 Refugee Convention, including the right to accommodation, public funds, access free healthcare, and to work and study. You can also reunite with your family and children under the refugee reunite process.
These rights are often greater than what other migrants automatically receive and therefore, the UK Government will only grant asylum if they are sure you have a genuine case.
We offer comprehensive consultations to evaluate whether you are eligible for asylum in the UK.

Asylum Application Assistance
Our Immigration Law Solicitors have the knowledge and experience required to ensure you apply for asylum correctly. Instructing an experienced Immigration Solicitor may significantly increase your chances of gaining asylum.

Plan for your asylum interview
Our Immigration Law Solicitors can help you plan for your asylum interview and prepare all the necessary papers and supporting documents on your behalf.

Fight Your Case
If your asylum application is denied, we will meticulously check the reasons for the Home Office’s decision. We can advise you on your next best steps, for example, making a human rights appeal or Judicial Review.

What our clients say

We choose First Law Solicitor on recommendation for complex immigration matters. We were in a difficult situation as my wife was stuck out of country and case was very complicated. so we decided to use him, and follow his advice. We are so glad we did and won an very difficult and complex case. His attention to every tiny detail and professionalism proved we’d made the right decision. visa was granted immediately!
I would gladly recommend First Law Solicitor to anyone who is looking for a good lawyer.

Please call us on +44 161 224 4066 to speak to one of our Asylum Solicitors.