Contacts for legal advice
ICAR's aim is to produce unbiased and accurate information and research about asylum seekers and refugees that can be used to influence policy-making.
As we are not registered to give legal advice we suggest that you contact one of the organisations that is listed below, or find out further information from one of the links provided.
General legal advice
If your enquiry is about a specific case in the UK and you need advice, then we suggest that you contact one of the following organisations:
The Immigration Advisory Service
The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) specialises only in immigration and asylum matters. It offers a free, confidential and independent service.
County House
190 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YB
t: 020 7967 1200
f: Fax: 020 7378 0665
Asylum Aid provides free legal advice and representation to asylum-seekers and refugees. There is telephone advice available and can be obtained by calling 020 7247 8741 during the following times: Monday 2.00 - 4.30 pm and Thursday 10 - 12.30
Asylum Aid cannot see people without an appointment, but does accept requests by email.
Finding solicitors
This service provides a searchable directory of approved solicitors, advice agencies and information providers. If you satisfy the Legal Services funding criteria then you may entitled to free legal help.
Advice on detention
If you need urgent advice on detention, deportation or removal outside office hours you can telephone the IAS on 020 7378 9191 and leave a message on the answer phone. State briefly your problem and provide your name and contact telephone number. Your call should then be returned the next working day.
Bail for Immigration Detainees
Bail for Immigration Detainees is an independent charity that exists to challenge immigration detention in the UK. They work with asylum seekers and migrants, in removal centres and prisons, to secure their release from detention. BID assists detained asylum seekers and migrants to make applications for release from Immigration Act detention. BID does not prepare substantive immigration or asylum applications. BID will only help with applications for release from detention where the detainee's legal representative is unwilling or unable to help, or where the detainee has no
legal representation.
e:
Main office-London: for all general queries and detainees (except those at Haslar or Campsfield - see below).
- t: 020 7247 3590 (please call between 1.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m, Monday to Friday).
- f: 020 7247 3550
Portsmouth office: for detainees at Haslar.
- t: 023 9229 1916.
- f: 023 9229 1913
Oxford office: for detainees at Campsfield House.
- t: 0845 3304 536 (phones are open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
- f: 0845 3304 537
The National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns
NCADC is a voluntary organisation, which provides practical help and advice to people facing deportation on how to launch and run anti-deportation campaigns.
t: 0121 554 6947
e:
Specific information on immigration and asylum law
- The Immigration advisory service has information on a number of topics
- Asylum Aid also provides information on different issues
- Home Office information on asylum issues
- Home Office information on immigration issues
- The Home Office provides detailed information on a wide range of issues. Useful sections to look at are the policy instructions for Home Office Caseworkers as these explain how the legislation and rules are applied.
Applying for resettlement or for asylum from abroad
Anyone who wants to apply for resettlement, or asylum from abroad, should contact the nearest UNHCR office in the country that they are in to ask for advice on how they can be helped. UNHCR offices can be located online.
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Last Updated: 09/07/10
