Asylum & Protection

What Is Asylum?

Asylum is a form of protection available to individuals who cannot safely return to their home country because they have a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm. In the UK, asylum claims are assessed by the Home Office under the Refugee Convention and human rights law. To qualify, applicants must generally demonstrate that they fear persecution because of factors such as their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. 

Important update on refugee settlement

The UK Government has announced plans to change the route to permanent settlement for many people granted refugee status. Under the proposals, some refugees may receive an initial 30 months’ permission to stay, with regular reviews of their protection status, and may not become eligible to apply for settlement until they have lived in the UK for up to 20 years. These changes are being introduced in stages, with some requiring legislation before they take effect. If you are affected, it is important to seek up-to-date immigration advice about how the new rules may apply to your circumstances and to look at alternative options or see whether your settlement can be reduced. 

Our Asylum Services

At Arona St James Solicitors, we provide comprehensive legal support throughout every stage of the asylum process.

Initial Asylum Application

Making a strong asylum claim from the outset is essential. 

We can assist with:

• Preparing and submitting asylum claims 
• Detailed case assessments 
• Gathering supporting evidence 
• Witness statements 
• Preparing for Home Office interviews 
• Advice on eligibility and legal requirements 

 

We work closely with our clients to ensure their experiences and circumstances are accurately presented.

The Screening Interview

After an individual claims asylum in the UK, the first formal step is usually a Screening Interview with the Home Office.

The purpose of the Screening Interview is to gather basic information about the applicant and establish the basis of their asylum claim. It is not the stage where an applicant is expected to provide a detailed account of everything that has happened to them.

During the interview, the Home Office may ask questions about:

• Personal details and identity 
• Family members 
• Nationality and country of origin 
• Travel history and route to the UK 
• Immigration history 
• General reasons for seeking asylum 
• Any immediate welfare or safeguarding concerns 

It is important that the information provided is accurate and consistent, as it will form part of the applicant’s asylum record.

At Arona St James Solicitors, we can advise you before your Screening Interview, explain what to expect and help ensure you understand the process and your legal rights.

The Substantive Asylum Interview

The Substantive Interview is one of the most important stages of an asylum application. Unlike the Screening Interview, this interview focuses in detail on the reasons why an individual is seeking protection in the UK. The Home Office will assess the applicant’s account, supporting evidence and personal circumstances before making a decision on the asylum claim.

Topics discussed during a Substantive Interview may include:

• Events that occurred in the home country 
• Experiences of persecution, violence or discrimination 
• Political, religious or social circumstances 
• Fear of returning to the country of origin 
• Supporting documents and evidence 
• Personal and family circumstances 

 

The interview can often last several hours and applicants may be asked detailed questions about their experiences and the chronology of events.

Because the Home Office will carefully consider the information provided during this interview, preparation is essential. Inconsistencies, omissions or misunderstandings can affect the outcome of a claim.

Our experienced immigration solicitors can help you:

• Understand the purpose of the interview 
• Review your asylum claim in detail 
• Prepare supporting evidence 
• Identify potential issues before the interview 
• Ensure you are fully prepared for questioning 

 

We work closely with our clients to help them present their circumstances clearly, accurately and confidently.

Recent Successful Asylum Claims

Managing Sensitive Security Issues

We recently represented a family whose circumstances involved high-profile political and security concerns in their country of origin. Cases involving individuals who may be of interest to state authorities or senior officials often require careful liaison with the Home Office and can be subject to additional security and intelligence checks, resulting in delays.

Our role was to ensure that the asylum claim was presented thoroughly, supported by appropriate evidence, and that the family understood the process throughout. We also advised on related issues involving overseas authorities and family members, ensuring that relevant evidence from both inside and outside the UK was properly obtained while protecting the client’s safety and legal position.

Family Members Joining a Refugee in the UK

When a person has already been granted refugee status, family members arriving in the UK may have different immigration options available to them. Depending on their individual circumstances, they may be eligible to apply as dependants or may need to make an asylum claim in their own right.

We advised our client and their family on the most appropriate route, ensuring that each application reflected their individual circumstances while maintaining consistency across the family’s immigration history.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

The asylum process can be complex, and decisions often depend on the quality of evidence presented and the consistency of the information provided.

The UK Government advises that asylum should generally be claimed as soon as it becomes unsafe for an individual to return to their country of origin. Applications are typically followed by screening interviews and detailed consideration by the Home Office. 

Obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help ensure that:

• Your claim is properly prepared 
• Relevant evidence is identified 
• Deadlines are met 
• Your legal rights are protected 
• You understand each stage of the process 

 

A Personal & Client-Focused Approach

The asylum process can be complex, making early legal advice essential. Seeking support at the outset can help ensure your claim is properly prepared, key evidence is identified, deadlines are met and your rights are protected throughout the process. At Arona St James Solicitors, we provide clear, confidential and tailored legal advice, guiding you through every stage of your asylum claim with professionalism, sensitivity and care.

 

If you are seeking protection in the UK or require advice regarding an asylum matter, Arona St James Solicitors are here to help.

Our experienced immigration team provides professional, compassionate and tailored legal support for individuals facing complex asylum and protection issues.

Contact us today via email on assistance@aronastjames.co.uk or via telephone on 020 175 5000 to arrange a confidential consultation and discuss your circumstances with one of our immigration solicitors.