1MCB Chambers have updated their guide on immigration appeals procedures for unrepresented appellants
Before Covid-19, equality of arms was often lacking between unrepresented appellants and the Home Office. However, following the sweeping changes to procedure in the First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber, there is a real risk that those without representation are denied access to justice and a fair hearing.
Immigration barristers Bernadette Smith and Geeta Koska have updated the practical guide to assist organisations and representatives who have contact with unrepresented appellants, as well as unrepresented appellants themselves. The original guide was developed with input from Michael Tarnoky at Jesuit Refugee Service UK and includes an overview of the key changes to tribunal procedure, submissions for an application to adjourn and a “questions and answers” handout for unrepresented appellants about adjournments, the CMH, decisions taken on paper and remote hearings.
If any organisation or unrepresented appellant would like a copy of the guide please email Tim Markham.
1MCB Chambers has also produced a comprehensive guide to the procedural changes in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals for representatives that can be accessed here.