Ahmad & Williams Solicitors provides professional and understanding legal support for people seeking advice about asylum matters.
Seeking protection in another country can involve difficult personal circumstances as well as an unfamiliar legal process. Our team can discuss your individual situation, explain the services available and help you understand the appropriate next steps.
What is asylum?
Asylum is a form of protection for people who cannot return to their country because they fear persecution.
The circumstances in which someone may qualify for protection are governed by UK law and the UK’s international obligations, including the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Common grounds relevant to a refugee claim can include persecution connected with:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership of a particular social group
Whether someone qualifies for asylum or another form of protection depends upon their individual circumstances and the law applying to their case.
Making an asylum claim
The asylum process can involve several stages, including initial screening, providing information and evidence, an asylum interview and a decision by the Home Office.
The precise process can depend upon the circumstances of the claim.
A person attending an asylum interview is expected to explain why they fear returning to their country and provide relevant information about their claim. The Home Office may also require documents and other supporting evidence. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]
Because procedures and requirements can change, we recommend obtaining advice based on your current circumstances rather than relying solely on general information online.
Preparing your case
An asylum matter can involve detailed information about someone’s personal history and the reasons they require protection.
Ahmad & Williams Solicitors can provide legal advice and assistance in relation to asylum matters that fall within the services currently provided by the firm.
Our team can:
- Discuss your circumstances
- Explain the legal process relevant to your matter
- Help you understand the information and evidence that may be required
- Advise you about correspondence and decisions relating to your asylum matter
- Explain the next steps appropriate to your circumstances
Your asylum interview
The asylum interview is an important part of the process.
Current Home Office guidance explains that the interview provides an opportunity for a claimant to explain how they were persecuted and why they are afraid to return to their country. An interpreter can be provided where required, and a legal representative may attend. [gov.uk]
Our team can advise clients about their individual asylum matter and the legal assistance available.
If your asylum claim is refused
If you receive a negative decision on an asylum claim, it is important to understand what the decision means and what options may be available.
Any rights, procedures or deadlines will depend upon the decision and individual circumstances.
Contact Ahmad & Williams Solicitors promptly if you require advice about an asylum decision so that the relevant documentation and circumstances can be considered.
Children seeking asylum
Asylum matters involving children can require particular care.
The Home Office maintains specific guidance dealing with the processing of asylum claims involving children, alongside its broader asylum decision-making guidance. [gov.uk]
If you require advice concerning a child seeking asylum, contact our team to discuss the circumstances and legal services available.
Working with organisations and professionals
Ahmad & Williams Solicitors welcomes enquiries from organisations and professionals supporting people who require asylum-related legal advice.
If you are contacting us on behalf of an organisation, charity or support service, please speak to our team about the nature of the enquiry and the services required.
Clear communication
Asylum matters can involve unfamiliar legal terminology, documents and procedures.
We aim to explain information clearly and help clients understand the legal work being undertaken on their behalf.
Where an interpreter or other communication support may be required, please discuss this with the team when contacting the firm.
Funding and fees
The funding available for an asylum matter can depend upon the circumstances of the case and the services required.
[CLIENT TO CONFIRM CURRENT LEGAL AID CONTRACT, ELIGIBILITY/FUNDING WORDING, PRIVATE-FEE OPTIONS AND WHETHER AN INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE BEFORE THIS SECTION IS PUBLISHED.]
Contact the firm for current information about funding and fees applicable to your matter.
Professional accreditation
[CLIENT TO CONFIRM THE CURRENT LAW SOCIETY IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM ACCREDITATION STATUS OF THE RELEVANT TEAM MEMBERS BEFORE THIS CLAIM IS PUBLISHED.]
Once confirmed, we can replace this staging note with the firm’s approved accreditation wording.
Speak to our Asylum team
If you require advice or assistance concerning an asylum matter, contact Ahmad & Williams Solicitors.
Telephone: 0121 328 4282
You can also use our online enquiry form to provide some basic information about the matter.