First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) appeals are the primary forum for challenging Home Office refusals of asylum claims. Persecution expert reports provide independent analysis of the Convention grounds, actors of persecution, state protection failures, and internal relocation that tribunals require to assess risk on return.
Unlike country-specific expert witnesses who focus on conditions in a single jurisdiction, persecution experts provide the overarching legal and analytical framework applicable across all countries. Reports address whether the appellant faces persecution for a Refugee Convention reason, whether state protection is available, and whether internal relocation provides a viable alternative.
Reports must comply with Immigration Tribunal Practice Direction paragraph 10 (2023) and the Expert Reports in the Immigration Tribunal guide (October 2025) by Adam Pipe. Early instruction allows 2 to 3 weeks for a standard report.
Related Persecution Types
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I instruct a persecution expert for an FTT appeal?
Instruct as soon as the appeal is lodged and the persecution ground is identified. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for a standard report. Persecution experts should be instructed where the claim turns on Convention ground analysis, state protection, or non-state actor persecution rather than purely country-specific conditions.
What should a persecution expert report for the FTT contain?
Reports should address the specific persecution ground, actors of persecution, state protection analysis using the three-part test, internal relocation feasibility, and the expert's reasoned opinion on risk on return. Sources should include CPINs, UNHCR reports, NGO reports, tribunal decisions, and field research.