JCWI are urgently seeking details of individuals who have been granted permission to appeal to the UT(IAC) since mid March (particularly any litigants in person).
By way of background, JCWI is seeking evidence of the impact on litigants in person (amongst others) of the Practice Direction and Guidance Note introduced by the Upper Tribunal in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Statutory appeals against determinations of the First-tier Tribunal have as a matter of consistent practice been considered by the Upper Tribunal at oral hearings. This long-standing practice reflects the gravity of the issues at stake in asylum and human rights appeals.
We are aware of a number of cases which have been refused on the papers under the new procedure. We are particularly concerned that unrepresented litigants will have been affected. They may well be unaware of their right to appeal and may become liable to detention and removal.
Please get in touch if you are aware of anyone (who does not have a…