Halima Safa Ahmed

I am a solicitor and supervisor in the Immigration Department based at the City of London office.

I have been practicing immigration law since 2016. I have significant experience in advising and representing private clients with their immigration applications including, but not limited to, family and private life; human rights; long residence; visitor’s visa; student visa; EEA nationals; nationality; appeals and judicial review. I have a varied practice of representing: asylum seekers including unaccompanied asylum seeking children; victims of human trafficking and modern slavery in particular forced criminality and victims of sexual exploitation; victims of torture; victims of rape and domestic violence; and those who suffer from severe mental health conditions.

I predominantly represent detained clients with:

• Bail applications in the First-tier Tribunal (including conducting advocacy);
• Unlawful detention and false imprisonment claims;
• Revocation of refugee status;
• Deportation;
• Removal; and
• Complex nationality appeals.

My practice extends to representing clients in challenges against public bodies. I am regularly instructed by clients to assist with their unlawful detention claims against the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) and the Secretary of State for Justice. I am instructed by 3 asylum seekers who are part of the group litigation challenging the SSHD’s unlawful detention at Manston House. I am currently assisting one of the asylum seekers challenging the SSHD’s Rwanda policy. Recently, I have been involved in the ongoing policy challenge to the new Public Order Disqualification policy which excludes victims of human trafficking and modern slavery from protection and support. I also represent unaccompanied asylum seeking children with their age assessment challenge against the local authority.

• City, University of London (2017-2018): Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC)
• City, University of London (2014-2017): LLB (Hons)

• Duncan Lewis Solicitors (October 2022 - Present)
• J D Spicer Zeb Solicitors (2021 - 2022)
• Admitted as a solicitor in 2021
• Orchid Solicitors (2016 – 2021)

“I found my self in a difficult situation and I have come across Duncan Lewis my solicitor was Halima she was great always had the best advice for me and fast at sorting things best solicitor I have come across strongly recommend" - Client 2023 “Dear Halima and Portia, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible news you shared with me today – that the Home Office has granted me refugee status. This is truly life-changing, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I want to acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts, dedication, and expertise you both put into my case. Your unwavering support, legal acumen, and genuine care made all the difference in securing this positive outcome. It has been a long and challenging journey, and I am profoundly grateful to have had you by my side every step of the way. Your professionalism and attention to detail were exemplary, and your guidance throughout the asylum application process was invaluable. I couldn't have asked for better advocates, and I will forever be thankful for your hard work and commitment to my case. Please extend my gratitude to your entire team, as I understand that it takes a collective effort to achieve such results. I will forever remember your kindness, support, and the positive impact you've had on my life. Thank you once again for everything you've done for me. Your commitment to justice has not only changed my life but has also restored my faith in the legal system.” - Client 2023

• City, University of London (2017-2018): Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) • City, University of London (2014-2017): LLB (Hons)

• Animal lover
• Travelling
• Swimming

• Duncan Lewis Secures Significant Damages for Unlawfully Detained Client (9 July 2024)