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We first met Dean in 2019 when he came to JRS UK to register for support. He had been refused asylum because his nationality had been disputed by the Home Office, and subsequently lived in destitution for several years.
Dean had arrived in the UK as a minor, but his age had not been accepted until after he had turned 18 and he never had access to the protection and support systems available to children.
When we first spoke to Dean, he had a legal aid representative working on his case. We worked with his representative to gather evidence about his nationality, accompanied Dean to embassies, and regularly discussed his case with him – and his frustration at the lack of progress.
Last year, Dean reached out to our Destitution Team again. He had been dropped by the legal aid lawyer and had borrowed money to pay a solicitor to lodge further submissions which had been rejected. Now they would do no further work as he had no money.
The Legal Team looked at the case, and we were unhappy about how the case had been prepared previously. At that point, it was clear that we would not be able to find a legal aid firm to take it on as very few good firms will take on appeals work.
We therefore decided that the simplest thing was to work back on some of the fresh evidence that the previous lawyer had submitted, set out the case properly, and take on the appeal ourselves. After some discussion, the court granted us the time needed to ensure Dean could be represented with the care and preparation he deserved.
Ultimately, the appeal was allowed and Dean’s future in the UK is now resolved.
Why Legal Aid Matters
Dean’s story is not unique. The shrinking availability of legal aid – and the increasingly narrow criteria for eligibility – means that many asylum seekers are left without the support they need to navigate a complex and often hostile asylum system.
Without effective legal representation, refugees are far more likely to have their asylum cases wrongly refused. This can lead to years of destitution, marginalisation, and uncertainty.
As Dean’s case shows, appeals can take a long time – adding pressure to an already broken system. But more importantly, the human cost is immense: years lost for someone simply trying to rebuild their life after fleeing persecution.
The JRS UK Legal Service
Helping people secure legal representation is crucial. At JRS UK, we approach this work from a place of trust, which is especially vital in a system where a climate of disbelief can deny people protection for years.
Throughout the year, the Legal Team represents 40-50 refugee friends at any one time and provides legal advice to a further 20 refugee friends each month. As a direct result of this work, refugees finally have their need for protection recognised, and can begin rebuilding their lives.
By joining us for the London Legal Walk, you can help ensure this vital service continues. Every step you take helps us walk alongside people seeking sanctuary, offering them the legal support they need to find safety and hope.
