Interpreters in UK Asylum Appeals: Evidence and Impact

Abstract This paper considers the role of interpreters in the asylum system in the UK. The study analyses published reports of asylum appeals in the UK from 2000 to 2024, and considers how interpreters are referred to by judges, and how they impacted the outcome of the appeal. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study initially takes a broad quantitative view of the issue, followed by a Qualitative Content Analysis of 30 recent appeals. The results reveal that interpreters are materially impacting asylum outcomes, and at times, interpreting issues form the central motivation for lodging an appeal. The type and impact of interpreter interventions range from procedural to critical, with critical cases calling into question the applicant’s credibility—a vital component of an asylum claim—which has lasting effects throughout the entire case. The findings raise questions about the current provision of interpreting services in UK asylum appeals, and how interpreter performance and comprehension can have significant legal ramifications on case outcomes. The findings contribute novel evidence to the current literature on the role of language in access to justice.