28 Mar LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers in the UK
LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers in the UK
A System That is Failing Those Most at Risk
By Arona St James Solicitors
March 2025
For LGBTQI+ asylum seekers, fleeing persecution is only the beginning of their struggle. The UK’s asylum system presents additional challenges, including bureaucratic delays, flawed decision-making, and a lack of understanding of their specific needs.
Arona St James Solicitors, a specialist immigration law firm with over 25 years of expertise in LGBTQI+ asylum cases, has consistently highlighted systemic failures that continue to harm these vulnerable individuals. From unrealistic evidentiary demands to unsafe accommodation and the inability of trans individuals to update biometric records, the asylum system remains ill-equipped to protect those most at risk.
Arona St James Solicitors: Leading LGBTQI+ Immigration Experts
Arona St James Solicitors has acted for LGBTQI+ clients since its inception, providing expert legal representation for individuals fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a firm based in East London, we have helped hundreds of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers navigate the UK’s increasingly hostile immigration system.
We are also at the forefront of new asylum system trials, working to ensure LGBTQI+ claimants receive fairer treatment in the decision-making process.
Ensuring Procedural Fairness in Asylum Interviews
At Arona St James Solicitors, we actively attend substantive asylum interviews alongside our clients. This ensures procedural fairness, protects against inappropriate questioning, and enables us to present our clients’ cases with legal representations in support shortly thereafter.
Clients feel better supported throughout this difficult process, as our agreed fees in most instances include our attendance at these crucial interviews. This hands-on approach improves case outcomes and reduces the emotional burden on LGBTQI+ asylum seekers.
Biometric Updates for Transitioning Individuals: A Broken System
One of the most pressing issues facing trans asylum seekers is the Home Office’s refusal to allow biometric updates that align with their gender identity. Currently, a trans individual’s Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) must match the gender marker on their passport, which often means carrying outdated and incorrect identification documents.
Why Does This Matter?
- Trans asylum seekers are forced to carry ID that misgenders them, leading to humiliation, misidentification, and discrimination.
- Many come from countries that do not allow legal gender changes, meaning they have no way of obtaining a passport or a corrected birth certificate that reflects their gender identity.
- UKVI’s restrictive policy contradicts basic human rights, leaving trans asylum seekers in legal limbo.
Calling for Reform
Arona St James Solicitors has called on UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to reform biometric policies, allowing asylum seekers to update their documentation based on self-identification rather than foreign-issued passports.
Without these necessary changes, LGBTQI+ asylum seekers will continue to face systemic barriers that undermine their dignity and human rights. As a firm committed to justice and equality, we will continue to fight for fairer policies and greater protections for those most at risk.
If you need help, we are happy to assist and support you through this process.
Please get in touch with us on 0208 175 5000 or email hello@aronastjames.co.uk


