Skip to main content

Experts on countries of origin by country

Choudhry, Dr Abida

I am a Consultant Psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience specializing in complex trauma/C-PTSD. I have completed a doctorate degree in Psychology from Wolverhampton University and a clinical supervision training from Oxford University. My background includes senior NHS leadership roles, clinical team management, and policy development, alongside extensive experience in teaching, research and clinical supervision. 

As an Expert Court Witness, I have extensive experience assessing individuals and families for the Immigration & Asylum Chamber and Family Court, with a particular focus on high-stakes asylum cases involving risk of persecution, apostasy, and victims of trafficking, torture, sexual exploitation, and abuse. Utilizing a trauma-informed forensic framework, I address critical issues of credibility, memory inconsistencies, and sur place activities, providing the Tribunal with robust clinical evidence that bridges the gap between psychological vulnerability and legal disclosure hurdles. 

My expertise extends to comprehensive family and child assessments, focusing on attachment, transgenerational trauma, and the "best interests of the child" in deportation or care proceedings. I offer deep clinical insight into Muslim and… Read more

Occupation: HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist | BPS Chartered Psychologist/Expert Witness
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, United Kingdom

Dalakoglou, Professor Dimitris

Dimitris Dalakoglou is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is a widely cited scholar on Balkan studies. His research focuses on Albania and Greece, and he has authored more than one hundred publications, including expert reports, book monographs, peer-reviewed articles, and documentary films. His work has been featured in several international media outlets, including the BBC, The Guardian, Channel 4, and The Washington Times. He has served for several years as a Country of Origin Information (COI) expert on Albania and Greece and has provided expert evidence in a number of legal cases in the United Kingdom and the United States, including country guidance cases before the Upper Tribunal.

Occupation: Professor
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Hossain, JUM Nazmul

My academic and professional qualifications include an undergraduate in Psychology (Academic year: 1997) and a post-graduate degree and training (Academic year: 1997-98 and 1999-2000) in Clinical Psychology. My clinical work is diverse and covers assessment and therapy for adults and minority ethnic groups for various conditions. As a multilingual psychologist with multi-cultural experience, I can assess efficiently and provide culturally emotional sensitive service.

 

My employment history involves working as a psychologist:

1. In the UK, I have been working in the UK for last 18 years. I used to work with Nafas Drug Treatment Centre (my post was funded by NHS), All Together Project (UK Gov.), PR UK and The UK Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy, London School of Psychology and Health.

I have also gained international experience by working in India and Bangladesh.

2. In India, with People in Distress (PID). Currently, I am working as a Part time Faculty for Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Hospital Management with International Medical Centre.

3. In Bangladesh, with National Institute of Mental Health, Marie Stopes Clinic, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B) - a worldwide… Read more

Occupation: Consultant Psychologist, Researcher and Part-time Lecturer
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bangladesh (Rohingya only), Cameroon, Ghana, India, India (Rohingya only), Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Vietnam

Istrefi, Artina

With a robust foundation in international relations, law, and political science, I am a distinguished expert witness specializing in Balkan affairs. My career is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding the intricate geopolitical dynamics and legal frameworks that shape this vibrant region. My academic pursuits culminated in a prestigious certification in Law from the University of Oxford, where I honed my expertise in international law, human rights, and cross-border legal issues. Professionally, I have collaborated with NATO on defense and international policy initiatives, providing valuable insights into Balkan geopolitics. My participation in European Union election conferences has allowed me to engage in high-level discussions on the political shifts affecting the region. Additionally, my roles as a Leasing Administrator and Legal Advisor have equipped me with practical experience in legal documentation and corporate governance. Driven by a passion for advancing understanding in the complex political landscape of the Balkans, I leverage my extensive education and practical experience to provide expert testimony and consultancy in this dynamic field.

Occupation: With a robust foundation in international relations, law, and political science, I am a distinguished expert witness specializing in Balkan affairs. My career is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding the intricate geopolitical dynamics and legal frameworks that shape this vibrant region. My academic pursuits culminated in a prestigious certification in Law from the University of Oxford, where I honed my expertise in international law, human rights, and cross-border legal issues. Professionally, I have collaborated with NATO on defense and international policy initiatives, providing valuable insights into Balkan geopolitics. My participation in European Union election conferences has allowed me to engage in high-level discussions on the political shifts affecting the region.… Read more
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Kosumi, Vebi

International Lawyer, LLB/LLM (UK-based). An accomplished legal professional educated at the University of Prishtina and the University of Kent, specialising in International Law and International Relations, as well as a political scientist with extensive experience in research and Country of Origin reports. Over twenty years of experience working with migrants in the UK. Research expertise in international public law, private law, terrorism, international human rights law, international relations, and immigration law. Certified by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide immigration services from 2005 to 2012. Skilled in issues such as blood feuds, honour killings, human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, domestic violence, narcotics organisations, human and political rights abuses, opposition and political persecution, risk of return, as well as brutal and degrading treatment and torture. Authored over 300 expert reports for Immigration Tribunals, Extradition Courts, and Crown Courts. Has appeared as an expert witness in immigration tribunals, extradition cases, and criminal courts. Member of the Academy of Experts since 2020. Awarded by Acquisition International as ‘Best Southeast Europe Country of Origin Reports Specialist 2024… Read more

Occupation: International Lawyer
Countries of expertise: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Presheva Valley, Serbia

Landesmann, Sonya

Intercultural and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, specialising in issues relevant to various Muslim countries, incl vendettas, honour killing, domestic violence, PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome, assault in detention and traumas of migration and exile.

Occupation: Intercultural and psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Formerly taught English to speakers of other languages. Also worked for the Refugee Council, Goldsmiths’ College, and Nafsiyat Inter cultural Therapy Centre.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Iran, Iraq, Turkey

Memeti, Zeqir

I am a legal adviser and expert witness with extensive experience in immigration and asylum cases in the United States and the United Kingdom. I prepare detailed, independent reports assessing country conditions, credibility, and risk on return. My work supports courts and legal teams, and I have provided both written reports and oral testimony. I focus on delivering objective, well researched analysis to assist fair decision making.

Occupation: I am a legal adviser and expert witness working across complex cases
in both the United States and the United Kingdom. My work sits at the
intersection of immigration law, human rights, and country conditions
analysis, where I provide independent, evidence-based opinions to
support courts, tribunals, and legal representatives. Over the years, I
have contributed to a wide range of cases involving asylum seekers,
refugees, and individuals facing removal. I specialize in preparing
detailed immigration and asylum reports that assess credibility, risk on
return, and the broader political and social context of applicants’
countries of origin. My reports are grounded in extensive research,
including legal frameworks… Read more
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Romania, Serbia (Presevo Valley)

Mirtezani, Dr. A. Llokman

The Expert is a former Independent Contractor for the U.S. Embassy in London, specializing in political and media monitoring, screening, and translation. With a background that includes roles in both administration and education, the Expert has also served as a Lecturer at university colleges in Kosovo. His career reflects a broad range of experience in political monitoring and related fields. As a country of origin expert witness, he has authored over 100 expert reports in the past four years and brings 23 years of professional experience to the role.

Occupation: The Expert is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor/the academic title)/in charge for the MA programme in Public Policies and Management at the University for Business and Technology, Prishtina. The Expert holds a Ph.D. in European studies for integration (europeistics) from the University of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Philosophy, European studies for integration, 2012 - Skopje, Macedonia.

As a political/media analyst covers a wide range of issues including domestic politics in the Western Balkans countries, Integration to the EU, geo-politics, etc.

As a country of origin expert witness has drafted/written over 100 expert reports in the last four years.

23 years of experience.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Panjwani, Dr Imranali

Dr Imranali Panjwani has lived, studied and worked in the UK, Middle East, East-Africa and Australia as an academic, lawyer, chaplain and community worker. He has written 200+ country experts reports for asylum seekers under the instructions of UK and international law firms. His reports have been commented upon by judges and lawyers and draw upon his diverse legal, cultural and religious experiences.

 

For his access to justice work in immigration and asylum he received the national Spirit in the Community award at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards in 2025 and Highly Commended Access to Justice award at the UK Diversity Legal Awards in 2021.

Occupation: Head & Founder, Diverse Legal Consulting, UK
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Gaza Strip, India, Iran, Iraq, Iraq (Kurdistan Regional Government), Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Tunisia, West Bank, Yemen

Sabani, Juris Doctor (JD) Nexhmedin

A distinguished legal expert, advisor, and former judge with extensive experience in international diplomacy, public administration, and government tenders within the Balkans region. A former advisor to the office of the President and a legal consultant for major governmental and international organizations, the expert brings unparalleled expertise in navigating the complexities of the Balkan legal and political landscapes. The expert’s career is defined by his leadership in high-level negotiations, capacity-building for public institutions, and contributions to the stabilization and development of the region.

Occupation: Your Occupation: As an authoritative expert in Balkan legal affairs, capable of advising both local governments and international organizations on critical issues of governance, law, and regional stability. With his deep ties to the international community, extensive legal background, and proven success in tendering and post-conflict reconstruction, the expert is well-placed as a leader in the region’s legal, governmental, and diplomatic initiatives.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia

Topojani, Ramce

I hold a degree of Arts in Political Science. In carrying out country analysis, I rely on a broad range of materials, including academic literature, country reporting, human rights documentation, policy materials, legal sources, and regional commentary. My approach is focused on context, consistency, and practical realities, with particular attention to the gap that may exist between formal legal protections and actual implementation. I accept instructions for country expert reports, expert witness matters, country conditions analysis, legal-context background reports, advisory analysis on regional conditions, and minority, identity, and vulnerability assessments. My work is intended to assist legal representatives, professional clients, and decision-makers in understanding the political, social, and institutional realities relevant to specific country issues and individual circumstances.

Occupation: My areas of expertise include country conditions, political and social
developments across the Western Balkans, inter-ethnic relations,
minority issues, religious and identity-based vulnerability, governance
and institutional effectiveness, documentation and registration issues,
migration, return and internal relocation conditions, informal power
structures.
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Kosovo

Tushar, Md Solaiman

The Expert is a Barrister-at-Law of England and Wales. The Expert is a practicing Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He holds the position of Head of Chambers at "LexAria and Jurists" (link : https://lexariaandjurists.com/) , and President at "Justice for All', with nearly a decade's experience in legal practice. The expert regularly moves before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for various matters including Writ (Judicial Review), Criminal and Civil Appeal and Revision, Bail Petition, Intellectual Property, Company Matter, Inheritance, Public Interest Litigation, Muslim Personal Law, Succession Law, Hindu Law, etc.

As a practicing Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, the expert is legally qualified to verify any legal documents including case, GD, judgments and other relevant documents, and check records from the government office of Bangladesh including Courts and Tribunals unless restricted by the law or relevant office. 

Parallel to his legal pursuits, the expert is the Legal Affairs and Political Editor of The Daily Campus and columnist. Accumulatively, he possesses over 18 years of sustained experience as a Journalist in Bangladesh, having written extensively on a broad range of issues, including human rights, the criminal justice… Read more

Occupation: Barrister-at-Law, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Researcher, Journalist, and Columnist.
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe