SomaliaExpert is a UK-only service for immigration solicitors, law firms, and Legal Aid practitioners instructing Somalia country experts for First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal proceedings in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This service is not available outside the United Kingdom.
Identify the Profile and Region
Determine the appellant's asylum profile (clan minority, Al-Shabaab, FGM, failed asylum seeker, etc.) and region of origin (Mogadishu, Somaliland, Puntland, south/central). This determines whether MOJ, Article 15(c), or regional analysis applies.
Confirm UK Jurisdiction and Funding Route
SomaliaExpert accepts instructions from solicitors acting in UK Immigration and Asylum Chamber proceedings only. Most Somalia expert reports are Legal Aid funded. In Scotland, funding is administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB). In England and Wales, the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) applies. Northern Ireland uses the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland (LSANI). Privately funded cases follow a separate fee agreement.
Scottish Legal Aid: SLAB Prior Approval
Scottish solicitors must obtain SLAB prior approval of reasonable and necessary expert fees before the expert begins chargeable work. Submit the expert's CV, proposed scope, estimated hours, fee quote, hearing date, and explanation of why country expert evidence is required. SLAB assesses disbursements under Scottish civil legal aid regulations, separately from LAA processes in England and Wales.
England and Wales: LAA Prior Authority
Apply for LAA prior authority before instructing the expert unless a valid exception applies. Include the expert's CV, proposed scope, estimated hours, and fee. Typical LAA-approved rates are £50 to £100 per hour for report preparation, subject to current LAA guidance.
Letter of Instruction
Provide a detailed letter of instruction specifying the expert's role, questions to address, hearing date, tribunal venue (including Glasgow, Edinburgh, or other UK hearing centres), and funding arrangements. Reference relevant country guidance (MOJ [2014], OA [2022]) and CPINs (July 2025 Mogadishu security).
Provide All Relevant Materials
Include the screening record, Asylum Interview Record (AIR), Home Office refusal letter (RFRL), client witness statement, any previous expert reports, and relevant CPINs and country guidance decisions.
Expert Analysis and Report
The expert prepares an independent report addressing the letter of instruction. Standard reports take 2 to 3 weeks. Urgent reports available within 7 days.
Written Questions and Oral Evidence
If required, respond to written questions from the opposing party. Oral evidence is common in MOJ country guidance cases or where the tribunal directs expert attendance at a UK hearing centre.
Legal Aid summary: Scotland and England/Wales
Scotland (SLAB)
In Scotland, legal aid for asylum and immigration tribunal work is administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB). Scottish solicitors must obtain SLAB prior approval of reasonable and necessary expert witness fees before country expert work begins. SLAB assesses disbursements under the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and related guidance, separately from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) in England and Wales.
England and Wales (LAA)
In England and Wales, Legal Aid Agency (LAA) prior authority is required for most expert witness disbursements in asylum proceedings, unless a valid exception applies. Solicitors should confirm funding before issuing a letter of instruction.