Asylum and Fresh Claims

A fresh claim may be available where an individual's previous asylum or human rights application has been refused and they have new evidence or circumstances that could significantly affect the outcome of their case.

Our team advises clients on:

• Reviewing previous refusal decisions
• Assessing whether new evidence may amount to a fresh claim
• Identifying relevant legal arguments
• Preparing further submissions
• Supporting evidence and documentation
• Challenging previous decisions where appropriate

Fresh claims require careful preparation and a detailed understanding of both the individual's circumstances and the reasons behind previous refusals.

Humanitarian Protection may be granted to individuals who do not qualify for refugee status but would face a real risk of serious harm if returned to their country of origin.

We advise clients on:

• Eligibility assessments
• Risk assessments based on individual circumstances
• Evidence preparation
• Applications for humanitarian protection
• Extensions and settlement considerations

Our team provides strategic advice to individuals whose circumstances require protection under alternative routes to refugee status.

Individuals may be eligible to claim asylum if they believe they would face persecution, serious harm or a significant risk to their safety if they returned to their home country.

Each asylum claim is assessed based on the individual's circumstances, personal history and supporting evidence.

Yes. Individuals can claim asylum after arriving in the UK if they believe they cannot safely return to their country of origin.

While claims should generally be made as soon as possible, each case is assessed on its individual circumstances, including the reasons for any delay.

After an asylum claim is registered, the applicant will usually attend a screening appointment followed by a substantive asylum interview.

During the substantive interview, the applicant will explain their reasons for seeking protection and provide details of their circumstances. The Home Office will then consider the evidence and make a decision on the claim.

The timeframe for asylum decisions varies depending on the complexity of the case, the evidence provided and Home Office processing times.

Some applications may be decided within months, while more complex cases can take considerably longer.

Evidence requirements depend on the circumstances of each case. Supporting evidence may include:

• Identity documents
• Medical reports
• Police reports
• Court documents
• Photographs
• Witness statements
• Messages or correspondence
• News articles or country information

Not all individuals are able to obtain documentary evidence, particularly where obtaining documents may place them at further risk. Our team can advise on alternative ways of presenting evidence.

Sindhu & Partners does not currently offer legal aid services.

However, asylum seekers may be eligible for legal aid, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria. If you believe you may qualify, you should seek advice from a legal aid provider.

In most cases, asylum applicants are not permitted to work while their claim is being considered.

Permission to work may only be available in limited circumstances and is subject to specific Home Office rules.

In some circumstances, a spouse, partner or dependent children may be included as part of an asylum claim or may have separate options to join an individual granted protection.

The available options depend on the family circumstances and immigration status of each person.

Yes. Individuals can still make an asylum claim if they do not speak English.

The Home Office can provide interpreters during asylum interviews where required, and we can assist clients who require interpretation support throughout the process.

Yes. Having overstayed a visa does not automatically prevent an individual from claiming asylum.

The key consideration is whether the person genuinely fears persecution or serious harm if they return to their country of origin. Each case will be assessed based on its own circumstances.

If an asylum claim is refused, there may still be options available depending on the circumstances of the case.

These may include appealing the decision, submitting further evidence, making further submissions or preparing a fresh claim where new evidence is available.

Our team can review refusal decisions and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

A fresh claim is a further submission made after a previous asylum or human rights claim has been refused, where new evidence or circumstances arise that were not previously considered.

The new material must be carefully assessed to determine whether it may significantly affect the outcome of the case.

Yes. Asylum claims are treated confidentially by the Home Office.

Information provided as part of an asylum claim is not generally disclosed to the authorities of the applicant's home country while the claim is being considered.

Our experienced immigration advisers can assist clients throughout the asylum process, including:

• Assessing the circumstances of your claim
• Preparing detailed witness statements
• Reviewing and organising supporting evidence
• Preparing clients for Home Office interviews
• Providing legal representations
• Assisting with appeals, fresh claims and further submissions where required

We provide tailored advice designed around the individual circumstances of each client.

The cost of legal assistance depends on the complexity of the case, the evidence involved and the level of support required.

We provide clear information regarding fees before work begins and ensure clients understand the costs involved.

You can contact our team by telephone, email or by completing the enquiry form on our website.

We will arrange a confidential consultation to discuss your circumstances, explain your options and advise on the next steps available.

If you are at risk of persecution, have received a Home Office decision, or require urgent immigration advice, contact Sindhu Immigration as soon as possible.

Obtaining legal advice at an early stage can help ensure your circumstances are properly presented and that you understand the options available to you.