Immigration and asylum
We act for individuals and organisations who wish to challenge the Government’s policies and decisions (usually those of the Home Office) relating to immigration and asylum matters.
Please note that we are unable to represent individuals under legal aid in typical asylum and immigration cases where rights of appeal lie to the Asylum & Immigration Tribunal (“AIT”). We do however bring challenges to the High Court by way of judicial review in individuals’ cases.
Recent cases of note:
- Advising the Law Society of England & Wales on the lawfulness of the Legal Services Commission’s proposals for the future of legal aid funding in the immigration field.
- Representing former Iraqi employees of the British authorities in Basra who have been denied the opportunity to resettle in the UK.
- Challenging the Home Office’s refusal to accept as the basis of a fresh claim new evidence submitted by an applicant for asylum.
- Challenging the Home Office’s decision to revoke the visa of high profile African politician without giving reasons or without giving him a chance to address its concerns.
- Challenging the Home Office’s refusal to admit a Kosovan family to the UK under the 7 Year family with Children concession.
- Acting for minors whose age was disputed by the Home Office and who were detained unlawfully, securing release from detention and obtaining damages.
- Acting for foreign national prisoners held in long terms immigration detention following completion of their sentences pending deportation and securing their release.
News
The human rights department has secured compensation for our clients who were assaulted as they were deported from the UK
Age-disputed asylum seekers lose Government funding
Leigh Day represent a family who allege false imprisonment and assault during removal attempts
Leigh Day's Jamie Beagent has successfully challenged the detention of two unaccompanied children seeking asylum who were detained by the Home Office in an adult detention facility.
The Human Rights Department has recently begun to undertake judicial reviews in the field of asylum and immigration law. Jamie Beagent, human rights solicitor at Leigh Day & Co. has been handling the cases.