Help please with an immigration legal question

[WantToHelpButBitWorried]

My friend is currently visiting me in the UK on a tourist visa (6 months). They are from a country that has known human rights issues/problems. I am being vague but my friend is now afraid that it is unsafe for her to return to her country and is talking of claiming asylum here.

I have no problem with legitimate people claiming asylum in the UK. I have known this person a very long time and I believe she is telling me the truth.

I am however worried that I have invited my friend to visit me in good faith but that I may be in trouble in someway if she does lodge a claim for asylum?

I will try and speak to a solicitor tomorrow. But if anyone could offer any kind of advice (or PM me the name of a reputable solicitor). I would be very grateful.

Thanks, I'm in the East Midlands. But could travel if needed - as this is a whole unknown world, so any recommendations would be great. I've tried googling solicitors but I dont really know what I'm looking for!

No you won't get into any trouble. But go to the Law Society website to look for specialist immigration solicitors if you or your friend need advice (and she will need advice if she wants to make and asylum claim).

You won't be in trouble.

Make sure your friend gets advice from an accredited ILPA member.

She should apply at the earliest practical point, and certainly before her visa runs out.

This is a good, practical guide to what claiming asylum actually means - it really isn't as simple as "make a claim and be given benefits and a six bed house" as certain bits of the media would suggest (not that I'm suggesting your friend is not genuine).

thanks for the website info & advice. I feel bad for worrying about myself when my friend is in real trouble. I do want to help her or at least not make her life any harder, but I have to think about my own family too. Thanks again.