Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is acting in an inquest into the death of 21-year-old Omani asylum seeker RAB, who tragically took her own life in Home Office accommodation in August 2023. Her case raises critical questions about the responsibilities of the Home Office and its contractors to safeguard vulnerable individuals in their care.

Data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests reveals a troubling rise in the number of asylum seekers dying by suicide in Home Office accommodation. Between April 2016 and December 2019, 10 suicides were recorded (around three per year). However, in the equivalent time span from January 2020 to August 2023, that figure nearly doubled to 19 (about 5 per year). Additional FOI data confirms 17 suicides between November 2021 and June 2024, with four more reported between August and December 2023.

RAB, who sought asylum in the UK and had been residing in Home Office accommodation for over a year, passed away on 31 August 2023. Duncan Lewis represents her partner, granted ‘interested person’ status in the ongoing inquest. This process will scrutinise the Home Office’s duties and the role of private contractors responsible for housing asylum seekers, focusing on whether systemic failures contributed to her death.

The UK government outsources accommodation provision to private companies, yet recurring reports suggest these contractors often fail to meet basic welfare standards. Lack of oversight and accountability exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals. The alarming increase in deaths underlines an urgent need for better safeguards, improved living conditions, and access to mental health support.

The Home Office has faced sustained criticism for its handling of the asylum system. This inquest provides an opportunity to examine the root causes of these preventable tragedies and propose meaningful reforms to protect the most vulnerable.

The second pre-inquest review hearing is scheduled for January 2025 at the Coroner’s Court.

Duncan Lewis’s legal team—comprising Graeme Rothwell, Raman Kumar, Nazia Khan, and Jessie Shepherd—works alongside barrister Rosa Polaschek of Doughty Street Chambers to assist RAB’s family in their pursuit of justice.

Our Public Law Team

Duncan Lewis’ Public Law team, ranked in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 UK directories, has a broad practice representing both privately and publicly funded (legal aid) clients in matters involving immigration; asylum and human rights and deportation matters, with a niche practice in immigration and civil liberties claimant judicial review matters. They have significant practice in challenging delays in Home Office decision-making, unlawful immigration detention cases with high net claims for damages and challenging immigration removal decisions, particularly third country removal cases.

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors:

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is one of the UK’s largest firms of solicitors, offering expertise across various fields including immigration, family, and public law. Headquartered in the City of London, the company is well-known for its excellence in people management, holding the Investors in People Gold Standard Accreditation. With a commitment to client-centred service and social responsibility, Duncan Lewis provides unparalleled legal support to clients nationwide.