Pin Down What the Report Must Answer
Start from the refusal letter. Note the country (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal or Bhutan), the profile the claim rests on, and every country-related reason for refusal. These become the questions the report is commissioned to answer.
Confirm How the Report Is Funded
Most reports in these appeals are paid for under Legal Aid, but some are private. Tell us which at the outset, as the fee basis and paperwork differ.
Obtain Prior Authority (Legal Aid Cases)
Apply to the Legal Aid Agency before the report is commissioned. We can provide the author's CV, a proposed scope, estimated hours and a fee quote. Hourly rates for report preparation typically fall between £50 and £100.
Write the Letter of Instruction
List the questions, the hearing or deadline date and the funding position. Mention any country guidance that applies, such as KK [2021] for Tamil appellants, and the CPINs relied on in the refusal.
Send the Case Papers
The screening and asylum interview records, refusal letter, the appellant's statement, any earlier country reports, and the CPINs and guidance cases referred to. Missing papers are the most common cause of delay.
Receive the Report
A standard report is delivered 2 to 4 weeks after full instructions. Where a deadline is very tight, a report within 72 hours may be possible depending on author availability.
Follow-Up Questions and Hearing Attendance
The author can answer written questions on the report and, where the tribunal directs, attend to give oral evidence, which is most likely in complex political cases and Tamil appeals under KK [2021].