We are a not-for-profit legal advice organisation which specialises in advising and representing people in their immigration and asylum cases.

What We Do

We advise and represent clients in immigration, asylum and nationality law matters.

We have a contract with the Legal services Commission (LSC) to provide the service free to people who qualify for assistance under the Legal Help scheme. We also raise funds to represent people who are not eligible for legal aid for a number of reasons but who are very vulnerable. This includes people who are destitute or women who are subject to violence.

GMIAU is seeking to recruit to two posts - one permanent post and one for a minimum 12 months maternity leave beginning June 2010. The successful candidates will have proven experience of providing advice and representation in immigration, asylum, and human rights cases.

Experienced Immigration Level 2 Caseworker/Solicitor

Salary: £24,646 - £30,011

Supervising Solicitor Level 2 and Supervisor accredited

Salary: £30,011 - £37,206

Lydia BesongcallLydia Besong, who is an active member of Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) and who wrote the play 'How I Became an Asylum Seeker' which was shown at the Zion Arts Centre on 3rd December, has finally been released. Thanks to everyone who sent letters of support for Lydia to the Home Office.

Refugees fleeing persecution

The government has gone ahead with the proposed cuts to the basic living allowance of asylum applicants, already below income support levels. However there is still time to raise the issue again as levels of asylum support are about to be set for the next financial year.

UK Border Agency are also running a consultation until 4th February 2010 about longer term plans for 'reforming' asylum support. Please contact your MP to get them to take action on this issue.

1. Ask your MP to write to the Home Secretary to express their concern about the low rates of asylum support and the poverty and destitution experienced by people claiming asylum, and to make sure that government commits to no less than £45 a week for single adults

2. Make your own response to the consultation

3. See the Refugee Council Campaign for further details and model letters

or click the Contact My MP link and remind them that they represent all people who live in their constituency

GMIAU relies upon qualified and experienced interpreters to provide a high quality service to clients.

If you are interested in joining our interpreter list please complete the attached application form, which gives details of the conditions and pay, and return it to reception@gmiau.org.

Interpreters are expected to attend GMIAU training and to comply with GMIAU policies.

Interpreters are not employed by GMIAU and are expected to make their own arrangements for paying tax and national insurance.

Thank youMany thanks to all those who worked hard to raise £170.62 on our stall at the recent Exodus Festival.

If you have bits of jewellery or bric-a-brac that you want to donate please contact us and we'll make arrangements to collect it.

GMIAU relies on the support and donations of people who are committed to challenging racism and immigration controls, and supporting people who are most affected by the harshness of the immigration and asylum system in the UK.