Asylum seekers have a right to access legal advice and, because the vast majority of asylum seekers are not entitled to work, most are eligible to receive free advice through Legal Aid because it is mean tested.
There are organisations that can offer you advice, including your eligibility to get legal aid.
Refugee Council –Offers UK wide advice and practical support to refugees and asylum seekers.
You can get UK wide advice from THT Direct helpline on 0808 802 1221 or register for online advice on www.tht.org.uk/myhiv/Services/Online-advice
Asylum Aid’s legal team provide advice to people who are in are in fear of returning to their own country of origin. This includes individuals, families and children seeking asylum, refugees with families overseas, victims of trafficking and domestic violence and stateless people. They can only provide representation to clients who live within the London area, apart from under exceptional circumstances. Due to cuts in legal aid they cannot provide representation to people in immigration detention.
www. Asylumaid.org.uk. Advice line 0207 354 9264
Children’s legal centre – legal advice for migrant children across the UK.
Many migrant organisations can also help asylum-seekers, please see the section above for more details.
If you are an asylum seeker in Scotland or Northern Ireland, please see the sections below for information on legal advice and legal aid.