UK immigration policy isn’t working, Duncan Lewis solicitor tells public asylum debate (9 December 2022)

Immigration solicitor Shalini Patel discussed her casework with the philanthropic organiation Impact 100 and the Women for Refugee Women charity this week. Shalini took part in the online discussion, which explored the issues facing asylum seeking and refugee women, the recent changes to asylum law and policy, and how campaigners, advocates and lawyers are responding. The event was hosted by Edie Lush, journalist and founding member of Impact 100 London, which aims to help marginalised women and girls in the local community, through collective giving. Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the U.K: What does the Future Hold? featured guests from Women for Refugee Women, which has supported hundreds of women fleeing war and persecution to find their voices, speak out, and rebuild their lives in the UK. Shalini told the guests that current immigration policy is not fit for purposes and highlighted the failures of the Afghan citizen resettlement scheme in particular. She said: “The Home Office has not yet assisted anyone from Afghanistan to date, at the cost of people’s lives. The impact that this has had on the ability of individuals to enter the UK safely is huge.” She also discussed her work on high profile cases such as the Rwanda removal policy, the Manston Centre, the Nationality and Borders Bill and much more. Watch the full discussion on YouTube here Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the U.K: What does the Future Hold?. Shalini has specialist experience in all aspects of immigration related judicial review claimant cases. She has a broad practice in the area of public law and human rights including conduct of various high profile judicial review claims concerning issues such as; trafficking; unlawful detention; removals to European countries under the Dublin Convention; removals on asylum and human rights grounds, challenges to policy/law relating to vulnerable individuals including victims of torture, pregnant women and victims of trafficking. For advice on any immigration or public law matter, contact Shalini via email at shalinip@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 3114 1132. In just over two years, Impact 100 London members have collectively awarded £450,000 in grants to 12 charities focusing on women and girls in London. To find out more about its work visit the website at www.impact100london.org. Women for Refugee Women aims to empower refugee and asylum-seeking women to speak out, become leaders and advocate for change, through English lessons, drama and many other activities. Find out more by visiting the charity’s website at www.refugeewomen.co.uk/.