United Kingdom Pro Bono Directory

Click here to see the numbers and origins of refugees hosted by the United Kingdom.

To be legally recognised as a refugee (this is called Refugee Status Determination), a person must satisfy the definition provided in the 1951 Refugee Convention .

Decisions on asylum claims made in the UK are made by UK Visas and Immigration, which is an agency of the Home Office (a UK Government Department).

An applicant wanting to claim asylum in the UK must register and have a screening at an asylum intake unit. Contact details for the asylum intake unit.
It is not legally possible to apply for asylum from outside the UK.

Information about how to claim asylum in the UK:
Government - How to Claim
Right to remain toolkit
Free Movement - How to Claim

An immigration solicitor or caseworker may be needed to provide legal assistance. They must be registered with OISC before being able to give advice. Check here if registered with OISC .
There are two ways of accessing immigration and asylum representation:
1) Private solicitors at regulated law firms. They will charge fees.
2) Legal aid schemes with solicitors working pro bono. Also, organisations/charities offering free legal advice may be able to assist

Legal aid is available for legal advice to anyone living in the UK or abroad who qualifies financially.
Find out if eligible for legal aid:

Citizens Advice website explains the financial conditions for getting civil legal aid.
Government website includes an online tool to check if an applicant can get legal aid.

Asylum seekers in the United Kingdom can search for a legal aid solicitor on the Law Society’s website .

Below is a list of pro bono organisations that support refugees in the UK and provide them legal aid.

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

https://www.jcwi.org.uk
Irregular Migrants Helpline: 020 7553 7470 (Mon, Tues and Thurs 10am-1pm.)
Email: infojcwi [dot] org [dot] uk

Supporting vulnerable individuals and families with reliable, high-quality legal advice. Assisting with all areas of asylum and immigration law and are recognised as experts in this field.

Law Centres Network

https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/
Find your local law centre contact details here .
Law Centres offer free legal advice, casework and representation to individuals and groups on immigration, asylum and EUSS issues.

Migrant Help

https://www.migranthelpuk.org/
Facebook | Twitter
Asylum helpline: 0808 8010 503 - that is free, open 24/7/365 and accessible to all asylum seekers in the UK.
Webchat
Email: infomigranthelpuk [dot] org

Migrant Help provides independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK move through and understand the asylum process.
We can advise you in your language on issues such as:

How to claim asylum
Navigating the asylum process
Applying for asylum support including accommodation
Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
Finding legal representation
Accessing healthcare
Support during the post-decision period - read about the support available after positive decision here , and negative decision here
Other asylum and post-asylum claim related matters

We can signpost you to other helpful services in your area by telephone or in person, just talk to an adviser or call our helpline.

Other national social assistance:

ASAP: Asylum Support Appeals Project - support right to food and shelter.
Refugee Action - Provide expert advice and guidance to those struggling to navigate the asylum system. Help those with refugee status to settle into their new homes and communities – everything from helping children into schools, to support booking doctors appointments, and ensuring a hot meal on arrival.
Refugee Council - Provides crisis advice and practical support, and helps integration into the new communities and offers mental health counselling.
Red Cross
Room for Refugees

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS

THEMES

ANTI FGM:

African Well Women’s Clinic
Oxford against cutting

APPEALS:

Manuel Bravo Project - provide free legal assistance to asylum seekers with First Tier Tribunal appeals and fresh claims.

CHILDREN:

The Migrant Children’s Project

DETENTION:

Bail for Immigration Detainees - provide legal advice and representation to migrants detained in removal centres and prisons to help them secure their release.
Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group - support those detained in Tinsley House or Brook House IRC.
Kent Refugee Help - support those held in prisons around Kent and London.
Medical Justice - independent medical advice and assessments.
SOAS Detention Support Group

LGBTIQ+:

Persian LGBT
Rainbow Migration

FOR LEGAL ADVISORS:

The AIRE Centre: Advice on Individual Rights in Europe
Electronic Immigration Network
ILPA: Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association

TORTURE:

Freedom from Torture : Locations: services are available in the UK, from centres in London , Manchester , Birmingham , Newcastle and Glasgow .
Redress

TRAFFICKING:

ATLEU: Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit
Helen Bamber Foundation - referrals-only service
Poppy Legal - providing legal advice to potential and recognised victims of trafficking.

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

Law Centres Network

Migrant Help

Other national social assistance:

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS

LONDON

SOUTH EAST

SOUTH WEST

NORTH EAST

NORTH WEST

EAST MIDLANDS

WEST MIDLANDS

EAST ANGLIA

YORKSHIRE/HUMBER

SCOTLAND

WALES