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Public Law Solicitors
Public Law Solicitor Explores Afghan Asylum Seeker Issues in Free Movement Online Article (10 March 2025)
Date: 10/03/2025
Duncan Lewis’ Jamie Bell provides expert analysis on some of the issues facing Afghan asylum seekers featured in an article for Free Movement online.
The public law solicitor looks at the home office failures, which are leaving thousands of Afghans in limbo.
Jamie’s article outlines the shocking statistics of asylum claims from Afghanistan. In the fourth quarter of 2023, there was a grant rate of over 99% in asylum claims. This is due to the Home Office publishing a country policy and information note, which acknowledged that all perceived opponents of the Taliban were entitled to international protection.
However, in the last quarter of 2024, there was only a recognition rate of just 47%. Following this trend, it seems likely that the recognition rate will continue to fall, meaning an increase in asylum refusals and tribunal appeals. Due to the UK not recognising the Taliban as an accepted foreign government, enforced or voluntary removals (to Afghanistan) are currently paused and cannot be progressed at present.
In the article, Jamie explores what this means for Afghans who have their asylum claims refused, but also can’t be sent back to Afghanistan. They are described as being stuck in a state of “limbo”.
To read more about the consequences and Jamie Bell’s experience with Afghan clients, you can access the article here.
About Jamie Bell
Jamie Bell is a Solicitor in the Public Law and Immigration Department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. Since joining the firm in August 2014, he has gained extensive experience handling complex and high profile cases, demonstrating a strong commitment to justice and client advocacy. Jamie is known for his dedication to protecting the rights of asylum seekers, often working under extreme time pressures to prevent unlawful removals.
About Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a leading UK law firm, recognised for its excellence across a broad spectrum of legal services. Ranked Top Tier in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, the firm was named Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis Awards 2024, following its win in the same category at the Modern Law Awards 2023.
The firm’s Immigration and Public Law team is particularly renowned for handling complex and high profile cases involving human rights and asylum seekers. With landmark successes in cases such as Brook House, the Rwanda Challenge, and Manston House, Duncan Lewis continues to provide unparalleled legal representation, ensuring justice for the most vulnerable