The UK's extensive immigration legislation governs the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. A number of organisations offer free legal advice on asylum claims ' by phone, post or email - and some can offer legal representation.

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Amendments to Rule 5.1 in Section 5 of the General Civil Contract (Solicitors and Not for Profit) Specification

This Rule outlines the rights to controlled legal representation for clients entering a Mental Health Review Tribunal or an Immigration Appeal Tribunal. It can be downloaded in PDF format from the Legal Services Commission.

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Asylum Aid

The charity Asylum Aid provides free legal advice to refugees and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. They offer advice by email or post and, in some cases, will conduct home visits. They also produce a range of legal information leaflets.

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Immigration Advisory Service

IAS gives free advice and assistance on all immigration, asylum and nationality issues and presents appeals against refusal decisions for all who have a right of appeal. Advice is offered through a number of regional offices or by email. The advice on the website also offers a general guide to information on different aspects of asylum and immigration law.

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Immigration Law Practitioners Association

The ILPA have a directory of solicitors and barristers who work in the field of immigration law. Some practitioners list languages with which they or colleagues are familiar. Most will be able to provide interpreters (with advance notice). Tel: 020 7251 8383.

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Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants

JCWI offers free legal advice on immigration, nationality and asylum matters - available by telephone only. Legal Service Commission contract-holders, tel: 0845 6021020, Monday-Friday 10am-1 pm. Non-LSC contract-holders, tel: 020 7251 8706, Tuesday & Thursday 2-5pm.

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Refugee Council advice line

The One Stop Service advice line provides advice and information on a wide range of issues, including social security, family reunion, identity and travel documentation and legal issues. The advice line welcomes calls from both individuals and organisations. Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am - 1pm, 2pm -5pm. Tel: 020 7346 6777.

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Refugee Council info centre

The Refugee Council site carries information on UK asylum legislation - including the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. It also details entitlement to services such as education, healthcare and housing.

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Refugee Council information line

The Refugee Council provides an information line open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10.00am to 1.00pm. For general enquiries on asylum policy, procedures and legislation in the UK; services available to asylum seekers and refugees in the UK; and who to contact for legal advice on asylum matters only. Tel: 020 7820 3085.

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Refugee Legal Centre

The centre provides free legal advice and representation for those seeking protection under international and national human rights and asylum law. To make an appointment phone the advice line: 020 7780 3220, 9.30am-1pm. (This is a very busy line.) Advice for detained asylum seekers: 0800 592398, 9.30am-1pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (not Thursday). Emergency Service, 6pm-8am weekdays or all weekend: 07831 598057.

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