Anyone who wishes to remain in the UK with refugee status must apply for asylum. To qualify for asylum, you have to prove that you are unable to return to your home country due to the fear of persecution as a result of your political opinion, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
While anyone that qualifies can apply for asylum and you don’t necessarily have to hire a lawyer to assist you, the process of getting private asylum can be a bit complicated. Rather than trying to navigate it on your own, you stand a better chance of getting your application approved if you do so with the help of an asylum lawyer.
Here are some of the reasons why hiring an asylum lawyer to assist you with your application can help your case and improve your chances of getting your application approved.
1. Ensuring that you have the Right Documents and Information
As earlier mentioned, the process of claiming asylum can be quite complex. During the initial screening interview and the substantive interview to prove that you qualify for asylum, you have to provide supporting documents and relevant information that confirm your claim. Without the help of a lawyer, you will most likely not know which documents are relevant to your case and which ones aren’t. And this of course may hurt your case.
To get your asylum application approved, you not only have to provide evidence of persecution but also proof that you cannot return to your home country because your government is unable to protect you. You will need to provide evidence of these claims otherwise your application may be delayed or you may end up with an unfavorable result.
2. Asylum Lawyers are Knowledgeable
Most people are unfamiliar with immigration laws and requirements for getting an asylum claim approved. Asylum attorneys have extensive knowledge of the immigration laws relating to the asylum process and can help you make sense of the typically complex process.
Hiring a lawyer will not just improve your chances of a successful application; it will also make the process less stressful as it is your lawyer’s work to ensure that your application is prepared to the highest standards possible. By hiring an asylum lawyer to assist, you leverage years of professional knowledge and experience to your advantage.
3. Your Attorney will assist you with Interview Preparation
Every asylum seeker will be required to attend an interview to determine their eligibility. Whether your application will be approved or declined is hinged on this interview. If you’re not sufficiently prepared, you risk getting your application denied or transferred to an immigration court which is a lot more complicated.
Not only will your attorney attend the interview with you, but they’ll also ensure that you are thoroughly prepared ahead. Some of the things your attorney will help you with ahead of your interview include:
- Your rights and responsibilities as an asylum seeker
- The resources you have available to prove your case. This includes any supporting documents and evidence of persecution in your home country.
- How to answer questions and give your testimony. A vague testimony is one of the most common reasons for asylum denials. An applicant must be able to provide detailed answers at the interview to prove their asylum claim.
4. Emotional Support
The process of getting your asylum application approved can be quite emotionally demanding. You will be required to provide details about sensitive subjects and past events. Most people are at their most vulnerable as they have just escaped a life-threatening situation and are miles away from friends and family.
Your asylum lawyer is an ally you can trust. More than just professional help, having someone in your corner throughout this process will make you feel more at ease.
Final Words
Immigration laws can be very complicated and the process of claiming asylum can be overwhelming. Trying to go through it on your own is not recommended.
Hiring asylum solicitors to assist you through the process ensures that you have all the legal advice and personalized assistance to see your asylum claim through. Your lawyer will answer all the questions you might have and offer professional advice towards a successful private asylum application.
