The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has published two new guidance documents on immigration and asylum issues.

The guidance, which was developed in collaboration with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) following extensive consultation with consumers and consumer organisations follows the immigration roundtable that the BSB held in April.

The first guidance document is aimed directly at people seeking legal help. The second is for professionals working with people with immigration and asylum issues, to help them better assist their clients to navigate the legal system.

The guidance for the public explains:

• The different types of people and organisations that can assist with immigration and asylum issues;
• How to choose the best provider;
• What to expect from providers once they are hired; and
• What to do if something goes wrong.

The Guidance for Professionalsis is aimed at those working in organisations such as victim support agencies and other charities and explains how professionals can appropriately direct immigration and asylum clients to the help they need. It includes information on:

• Who can help and how;
• The differences between providers;
• What a client should expect from their provider;
• Fees, legal aid and how clients can be charged;
• What a client should do if something goes wrong; and
• Where to signpost clients for information, advice and support.

The guidance for professionals, which seems not to have appeared on the SRA web site, can be downloaded from the web site of the BSB at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/media/1837121/immigration_guidance_for_professionals_report_-_for_web.pdf whilst the guidance for the public can be found at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/media/1837125/need_help_with_your_immigration_and_asylum_issues_-_for_web.pdf

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