Our Immigration Department recently achieved a successful outcome for a vulnerable client from Paraguay in an asylum and human trafficking claim in the UK. The case was conducted by Ms Katarzyna Jurkun, who has extensive experience in asylum, human trafficking and modern slavery cases, particularly those involving vulnerable clients.
The client first came to Freemans Law LLP after she had already attended and completed her asylum interview with the Home Office. She had therefore gone through a significant part of the asylum process without professional legal guidance. During the initial meeting with her legal representative, it became apparent that there were indicators that the client may have been a victim of forced labour and modern slavery.
Human trafficking and modern slavery issues can be complex and, particularly where a client is vulnerable or has experienced significant trauma, they can be difficult to identify. It takes experience, careful preparation and the ability to ask the right questions to understand whether a person may have been subjected to exploitation. Where there are concerns that a person may have been a victim of trafficking or modern slavery, a referral to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) may be appropriate. Immigration solicitors are not First Responders and cannot make an NRM referral themselves. However, where they identify potential indicators of trafficking or modern slavery, they can refer the client to an appropriate First Responder organisation, such as the Salvation Army, for assessment and potential referral.
The client’s asylum claim was initially refused before the NRM decision had been made. Following the NRM’s decision that there were reasonable grounds to believe that she was a victim of modern slavery, the client was able to disclose further information about the trauma and harm she had experienced and explain how this continued to affect her daily life. By the time a positive Conclusive Grounds decision was made, the client was already receiving professional support from healthcare professionals. She had been assessed as experiencing symptoms of PTSD, together with persistent suicidal ideation following her history of abuse. Once all the relevant evidence had been carefully gathered and the supporting bundle submitted, the Home Office, following its review, concluded that, in light of the new evidence, the original refusal decision could no longer be maintained. The Home Office therefore withdrew its refusal and indicated that it intended to grant the client leave to remain.
This was a fantastic outcome for the client. Given her vulnerability and the trauma she had experienced, attending a hearing could have been an extremely stressful and potentially re-traumatising experience.
At Freemans Law LLP, we understand that preparation is key to successfully presenting an immigration case. In this matter, meticulous preparation and the submission of relevant supporting evidence were extremely important. An immigration case is rarely about just one issue. By taking the time to speak with our clients and understand their individual circumstances and background, we ensure that all relevant matters are properly considered. As legal representatives, we are here to guide our clients through complex immigration rules, regulations and guidance and to help them present their cases clearly and effectively.
If you would like to discuss an immigration matter, please contact our experience Immigration Team for a confidential consultation and advice at ImmigrationDept@freemanssolicitors.net or call 0207 935 3522.