Frequently Asked Questions

A country condition report in UK asylum proceedings is an expert document providing independent, referenced analysis of conditions in a claimant's country of origin — including the political situation, human rights record, treatment of specific groups, availability of state protection, and internal relocation viability. It is submitted as expert evidence in First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal appeals and must comply with FPR Part 25.

Under FPR Part 25 and Practice Direction 25B, a country condition expert report must include: the expert's qualifications and experience, a summary of instructions received, the substance of the facts and materials relied upon, the expert's opinion and reasoning, a summary of conclusions, and a statement of truth confirming the expert's understanding of their duty to the tribunal.

Home Office Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) are produced by the Home Office and reflect the government's position on country conditions. An independent expert country condition report is produced by an expert with no institutional interest in the outcome, drawing on primary sources and current knowledge. Independent expert evidence can identify gaps, inaccuracies, or outdated content in CPINs and provide the tribunal with a more complete picture of conditions in the country of origin.

Yes. Expert Country Reports provides country condition expert reports for country guidance cases before the Upper Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber). Country guidance cases require the most rigorous and comprehensive country condition analysis, grounded in primary sources and capable of withstanding intensive cross-examination.

To Request a country condition report for a UK asylum appeal, submit a brief via our engagement form — providing the country of origin, the issues to be addressed, the relevant tribunal, and your hearing context. We will identify the right expert and provide a scope and fee proposal.

Yes. Asylum and immigration appeals in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are heard by the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). We provide country condition reports and expert witness services for proceedings across the United Kingdom.

In many asylum appeals, expert evidence can be funded through the Legal Aid Agency where the statutory tests are met. Solicitors should apply for prior authority or an exceptional case funding direction as appropriate. We can provide fee proposals and scope documents to support legal aid applications.

Turnaround depends on complexity, country, and urgency. Include your hearing date and any tribunal directions when instructing so we can scope the work accurately.

Yes. Our experts regularly give oral evidence at First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal hearings in person and by video link, in accordance with tribunal directions and Practice Direction requirements.

Reports are tailored to the issues in each case. Common topics include treatment of relevant social groups, political and security conditions, availability of state protection, internal relocation viability, criminal justice and detention conditions, and healthcare or LGBT+ persecution — always grounded in the claimant's profile and the tribunal's directions.

Yes. All enquiries and instructions are handled in strict confidence. We do not share your information with the Home Office, UKVI, or any government body. This applies equally to asylum seekers, legal representatives, and NGOs.

Under FPR Part 25 and CPR Part 35, an expert's overriding duty is to the tribunal or court — not to the instructing party. Our experts provide independent, objective evidence within the scope of their expertise and are prepared for cross-examination by Home Office Presenting Officers and specialist immigration counsel.