Contact: Sharon Dillon
Co-Ordinator
Immigration, Asylum & Refugee Services
Telephone:(028) 9023 8645

[email protected]

Immigration Advice Service

NICEM provides a specialist free and confidential Immigration Advice Service to all its member groups and the wider community

The service provides legal advice and assistance, advocacy and representation and support on matters relating to immigration, nationality, asylum and refugees.

The service is part of NICEM's overall strategy to promote the mainstreaming of ethnic minority issues into Northern Ireland and to encourage the development of a harmonious and multi-cultural society.

back to the top

Working for the Community

NICEM accepts referrals for all sources, across Northern Ireland and beyond, including direct referrals from:

• Member groups
• independent advice centres
• Citizen's Advice Bureaux
• community and voluntary based organisations
• Health & Social Services Trusts
• private practice solicitors
• self-referral

back to the top

Advice For All

Individuals can come to NICEM's office and discuss their immigration queries and problems in confidence and in familiar surroundings.

NICEM, in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, has applied for exemption in the provision of immigration advice and representation, and is fully committed to the requirements and standards set down by the Immigration Services Commissioner.

In the event that clients are dissatisfied with the service, they have the opportunity of complaining to the Commissioner.

NICEM, in promoting its key aim of equality of opportunity, will also provide outreach services to those who cannot easily access the service in Belfast.

NICEM will also, as far as possible, provide confidential and free interpreting and translation services for clients.

back to the top

Type of Work Covered by the Service

• Refugee and Asylum
• European Community Law issues
• Entry clearance applications (e.g. spouse / visitor / student)
• Applications for permanent residency / settlement
• Irish citizenship applications
• British citizenship applications
• Applications for extension of stay (including students)
• Advice on work permit scheme
• Travel document applications

back to the top