Immigration Solicitors

Jamie Bell, a Public Law Solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, has been featured in Freemovement with his article "A Troubling New Approach to Afghan Asylum Claims." In this piece, Jamie explores the recent changes in the Home Office’s approach to Afghan nationals seeking protection in the UK, highlighting critical issues that have arisen from the increase in Afghan asylum refusals and the publication of two updated country policy and information notes.

In his article, Jamie outlines the historical context of Afghan asylum claims in the UK, noting that prior to the Taliban's return in August 2021, the Home Office's stance often failed to reflect the on-ground security situation in Afghanistan. This changed when the Taliban took power, leading to a ‘light touch’ period where the majority of Afghan asylum claims were recognised due to the acknowledged risks of returning to the country.

However, as Jamie points out, recent updates to the Home Office guidance suggest a narrowing of the criteria under which Afghan asylum claims are granted. Notably, the updated country policy and information notes on "Fear of the Taliban" and the "Humanitarian Situation" appear to signal a shift towards stricter scrutiny and increased refusal rates for Afghan asylum applications.

The article also highlights the potential implications of these changes, including the risk of poor decision-making due to rushed processing and the likelihood of many claims being denied despite credible risks. This is particularly concerning given the current state of the legal aid sector and the potential for unrepresented claimants to struggle within the immigration tribunal system.

To read Jamie's full article, please visit the Free Movement website here

About the Author

Jamie Bell is a Solicitor within our formidable Public Law and Immigration department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. Since joining the firm in August 2014, Jamie has amassed extensive experience across a wide variety of complex and high-profile cases, with a particular specialism in representing Afghan clients. His unwavering dedication to his clients is evident in his readiness to undertake cases at a moment's notice, tirelessly working to prevent the unlawful removal of asylum-seekers.

For advice or assistance on any Public Law or Immigration matter, contact Jamie Bell via email at JamieB@duncanlewis.com or by telephone on 02031190384.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis’ Immigration team is at the forefront in the battle against unlawful detention for those held under immigration powers and Home Office practices and policies. The team has a broad practice representing 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 decisions and unlawful immigration detention cases with high net claims for damages and challenging immigration removal cases.