Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced she has plans to overhaul the asylum system in the UK by adding to the requirements for a successful claim. The proposals are said to be fairer for asylum seekers however they have already drawn immense criticism for further exploiting already vulnerable people. Our specialist immigration solicitors in London have a vast amount of experience in the asylum process. We are happy to arrange a consultation in order to assess whether a claim for asylum will have any prospects of success and how we can prepare an Applicant for their asylum interview. Please contact our team in order to schedule a consultation with us.
What are the Home Secretary’s plans for asylum seekers?
Priti Patel has made proposals to overhaul the UK’s asylum process, stating that the new system will be “fairer” and will crack down on criminal gangs. The reforms are being described as the ‘biggest overhaul of the UK’s asylum system in decades’. Patel told Members of Parliament earlier today that the government had promised to “take back control” of asylum and immigration and the new system would “better support the most vulnerable”.
According to the proposals, migrants who enter the UK illegally to claim asylum will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally with a valid visa. Therefore, people who want to claim asylum in the UK will have their asylum claim assessed based on how they arrive in the country.
However, human rights campaigners criticise the proposals and state that the new rules would take away the rights of these vulnerable asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution and seeking protection.
What are the current rules for asylum applicants?
In order to successfully claim asylum in the UK, Applicants must be able to satisfy all of the following requirements:
- They must prove that there is a genuine, well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. Persecution can be on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, social or cultural factors (including gender identity and sexual orientation or being a member of a particular social group);
- They must demonstrate that they are unable to get protection from the authorities in their home country; and
- They must show that internal relocation in their home country is not possible (i.e. moving to a different State or province).
Under the current rules, it does not matter if a person claiming asylum enters on the back of a lorry or by getting off a flight. Their method of entering the UK does not impact the decision-making on their asylum claim.
How many people successfully claim asylum in the UK?
According to figures published by the Home Office, in the year ending March 2020, there were 35,099 UK asylum applications that were made. Of this, 20,339 people were granted asylum, humanitarian protection or an alternative form of resettlement in the UK. This is 17% higher than the previous year. Statistics show that there was an increase in asylum claims from Iranian, Sudanese and Eritrean nationals. Furthermore, in the year to March 2020, 3,761 Applicants had an appeal allowed following their initial asylum claim being refused.
How our Immigration Solicitors can help with an asylum claim
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in asylum cases and we prepare our clients so they know what to expect during an asylum interview. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful applications for a range of different clients. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant rules and criteria that need to be met.
Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the asylum claim. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to claim asylum in the UK
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to claim asylum in the UK.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your asylum case meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful asylum claims in the UK with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your asylum claim before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your asylum claim and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.