Country expert reports play a critical role in immigration and asylum proceedings, providing tribunals and courts with independent, evidence-based analysis that can significantly influence the outcome of a case.
What Is a Country Expert Report?
A country expert report is an independent, evidence-based document that provides detailed analysis of conditions in a specific country. In immigration and asylum proceedings, these reports address political, social, legal, and human rights contexts relevant to an individual's claim for protection.
Unlike general country condition information, a purpose-written expert report is tailored to the specific circumstances of your client's case. It can address particular risks, identify relevant country-specific legal frameworks, and provide context that generic Home Office guidance may not capture.
Why Expert Reports Matter at Tribunal
The First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) hears thousands of cases annually. Decision-makers are required to consider all evidence — and independent expert evidence can carry considerable weight when properly prepared and clearly presented.
A well-drafted country expert report can:
- Provide objective context for the country conditions relevant to the claim
- Address specific risks for the individual based on their profile
- Counter or contextualise Home Office Country Policy and Information Notes
- Identify applicable legal protections or absence thereof in the country of origin
- Respond to specific issues raised in a refusal letter or decision
What Makes a Good Country Expert Report?
Not all expert reports carry the same weight. The Upper Tribunal has provided guidance on the standards expected of expert evidence. A robust country expert report should:
- Be prepared by a person with genuine expertise in the country
- Be based on verified, up-to-date sources clearly identified in the report
- Address the specific questions relevant to the case
- Present findings in a clear, structured, and objective manner
- Comply with the duties of an expert witness
Countries Where Expert Reports Are Frequently Needed
Expert reports are frequently commissioned for cases involving: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Albania — among many others.
How Ereventis Can Help
Ereventis prepares independent country expert reports for immigration solicitors, barristers, law firms, and NGOs across the United Kingdom. Our reports are court-ready, rigorously researched, and tailored to your specific case requirements. We respond to all quote requests within 24 hours and handle all materials with complete confidentiality.
Ereventis provides independent country expert reports, SQE preparation courses, and certified translation services to legal professionals across the UK.