Solicitors failing to offer representation to asylum seekers

Fewer than 20% of asylum seekers are represented at appeals before asylum support adjudicators (ASA), according to a new report.

The ASA's annual report said this resulted in appellants being 'ill-prepared to argue their case' and unable to 'produce documentary evidence in support of their appeal even when this should be readily available'.It argued that this lack of legal assistance is the cause of only 7% of asylum seekers denied support by the National Asylum Seekers Support Service exercising their right of appeal.

Chief adjudicator Sehba Haroon Storey, a solicitor, said: 'Until government funding is available for assistance and representation, solicitors will be reluctant to offer their time.' She encouraged solicitors to offer help in preparation, if not actual representation.

Jawaid Luqmani, treasurer of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association, said the situation is exacerbated by the undersupply of lawyers suitable to deal with appeals.Andrew Towler