Written by: Annie Lenton, Programme Officer
On 16 September 2026, the London Specialist Advice Forum brought together legal advisers, homelessness organisations and local authority partners to explore the work of the Sub-Regional Immigration Advice Service (SIAS) and its role in supporting people experiencing homelessness. Chaired by Chofian Abobakr, Senior Programme Manager at London Legal Support Trust, the session focused on how specialist immigration advice can help address the complex relationship between immigration status and homelessness.
SIAS is a London-wide project that provides specialist immigration advice to non-UK nationals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Attendees of the forum heard how SIAS operates through the London sub-regions, bringing together legal advice providers, immigration link workers, homelessness organisations and local authorities. Referrals are triaged and allocated through the partnership, but support workers remain involved throughout. People experiencing homelessness may have lost vital documents or be difficult to contact; support workers help them attend appointments, gather evidence and stay engaged while their immigration case progresses. A panel discussion led by representatives from North Kensington Law Centre, Praxis, St Mungo's and the Royal Borough of Greenwich offered insight into the logistics of supporting individuals through the SIAS pathway.
The panel explored a central challenge: someone may need somewhere safe to stay immediately, while their immigration case takes much longer to resolve. Speakers described partners working together to secure emergency accommodation, extend placements where possible and maintain contact with clients during that uncertainty. Advisers also clarified that missing ID does not usually prevent a referral. Frontline workers can help by obtaining consent, sharing what they know about the person's housing situation and flagging safeguarding concerns, without undertaking an immigration assessment themselves.
Participants highlighted several priorities for the sector, including earlier intervention, greater awareness of SIAS among frontline services, stronger referral pathways and a more effective "No Wrong Door" approach that aims to help people reach the right support regardless of where they first seek help.
Read the full LSAF meeting notes from 16 September here.
Watch the recording here.
The next London Specialist Advice forum will be in person on 3 December 2026, details of how to register will be released in due course.
The Forum is a sector-led network of frontline specialist free legal advice agencies across the capital. The Forum provides a space for agencies to share best practice, resources, and opportunities; discuss sector developments and challenges; and identify emerging needs and solutions.