If you are working or volunteering in an organisation that supports asylum seekers, or if you have asylum seekers in your church, there is a good chance that, at some point, you will either be asked to help someone with their asylum claim, or you will want to do that when you find out their circumstances.

As a Christian, it is right that we want to do all we can to help, but unless you are working in a registered organisation, you are not allowed by law to give advice. There are ways you can help, and that help can be the difference between a successful or failed asylum application, but it’s important to know what they are. It’s also true that help without expertise can be counter-productive. Some asylum seekers have had their claims damaged by well-intentioned people meddling in their case, when there was a solicitor already working on it.

Don’t be put off, but do get informed before you wade in. Hopefully the helping with an asylum claim quick guide will help.