How to get help as an asylum seeker if you can't find legal aid

Asylum seekers in the UK are often unable to access the legal aid support they’re entitled to, thanks to a crisis in the system spurred by a lack of funding.

An investigation by the Big Issue has found asylum seekers are exposed to trauma because they cannot get representation. Instead, as they go through the process on their own, poor decisions are made and lawyers are left to pick up the pieces further down the line.

“Our clients have often gone through unimaginable trauma before reaching the UK. They then face language barriers as well as the challenge of navigating a complex legal system and an incredibly hostile Home Office that even native speakers would struggle with,” said Laura Smith, co-legal director at the Joint Centre for the Welfare of Immigrants. 

“Despite this, they are considered lucky as they are at least able to access professional legal advice.”

If you’re trying to get legal aid for an asylum case but can’t, or know somebody in that situation, here are some tips from campaigners.

Request delays and keep notes

Requests for interviews can be daunting to those who’ve been unable to find a lawyer, but it is possible to request a delay to the process.

This can be done at the initial stage and at the appeal stage. Charities advise keeping a record of your attempts to find a lawyer, as it can help prove you have done so. Times, dates, and details of firms you have spoken to can be useful notes to keep.

Find a law centre and free advice

Along with solicitors’ firms, the UK’s 42 law centres are an important part of the help available for asylum seekers and migrants.

Many operate free and low cost advice sessions alongside formal legal aid. Law clinics also provide help, and can be found here.

Organisations such as We Are Advocate may be able to offer pro bono legal assistance.

Read more of the Big Issue’s investigation series into how the broken legal aid system harms asylum seekers:

• ‘Broken’ legal aid system leaves vulnerable asylum seekers facing ‘life and death’ decisions alone
• I ended up in hospital due to lack of legal aid for my asylum claim – I got physically sick
• The asylum legal aid crisis is costing taxpayers more thank you think. Here’s why

Online advice and charities can be useful

There is a range of free advice available to support asylum seekers through their claims.

The Right to Remain website includes a toolkit for those claiming asylum.

The Joint Centre for the Welfare of Immigrants runs a free advice line on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10-1, on 0800 160 1004.

Migrant Help has accredited immigration advisers, while Citizens Advice bureaux are also able to provide information.

‘’People in need of legal aid should remember to seek advice from reputable law firms and use the Law Society website to search for accredited asylum solicitors,” said Kama Petruczenko, senior policy analyst at the Refugee Council.

“They can also seek help from several charitable organisations which provide legal advice to people seeking asylum. Importantly, they should find a legal adviser as soon as they can after claiming asylum.”

Join together to support each other

Even if you cannot get formal asylum legal aid help, joining with others in a similar situation can be beneficial. Groups such as Migrants Organise offer a forum to meet with others experiencing the same, and to help each other.

Contact your MP or local councillor

The role of MPs and councillors involves taking on casework on behalf of those who live in their constituency. They can be helpful and influential, and may often have existing relationships with organisations in the local area.

You can find your local MP here. Your local councillor can be found here.

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