- Languages: English & Albanian
Oriola Uka is an immigration lawyer at Law Lane Solicitors. She works with people who need protection in the UK: individuals claiming asylum, victims of trafficking, and those whose cases fall within the National Referral Mechanism for modern slavery. Her work is evidence-intensive and case-specific. She guides clients through a legal process that is frequently unfamiliar and stressful, explaining each step clearly as the matter progresses.
Oriola qualified with an LLB (Hons) with Qualifying Status from Arden University in London, having earlier completed a law degree at the University of Tirana in Albania. She is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the Albanian National Lawyers Chamber. She speaks English and Albanian, and has previously carried out pro bono immigration work with the Shpresa Programme, supporting Albanian-speaking community members with their immigration matters.
What Oriola’s Practice Covers
Asylum Claims
Oriola registers asylum claims, prepares witness statements, and supports clients in gathering the evidence required for their cases. She prepares clients for Home Office asylum interviews, carries out country and legal research, and liaises with support workers, social workers, and other professionals involved in a client’s care. Where the Home Office refuses a claim, she handles appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The main legislation she works with includes the Refugee Convention, the Human Rights Act 1998, the Immigration Rules, and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
National Referral Mechanism Cases
Oriola assists victims of trafficking and modern slavery to be formally identified and supported through the National Referral Mechanism. She challenges negative Conclusive Grounds decisions where the Home Office has declined to recognise a client as a victim of modern slavery. The legislation she works with includes the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, and the Appendix: Temporary Permission to Stay for Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery.
Asylum Policy: a Changing Area
Asylum law moves quickly. Credibility assessments, evidential thresholds, and Home Office decision-making practice have all shifted in recent years, particularly following the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. Oriola tracks current Home Office guidance and relevant tribunal decisions to ensure her clients’ cases are prepared to the standard the First-tier Tribunal expects.
Representative Cases
NRM case: negative decision overturned
Acted for a male client from Albania who had received a negative Conclusive Grounds decision from the National Referral Mechanism. Oriola challenged the decision. The Home Office overturned its original finding, formally recognised the client as a victim of modern slavery, and granted him a Victim of Trafficking Support visa for two years.
Asylum appeal: Home Office withdrawal before hearing
Took over a case after the Home Office refused an asylum claim. Oriola prepared a detailed witness statement addressing each refusal point. She gathered supporting evidence, then carried out legal and country research to strengthen the case before the appeal hearing. The Home Office withdrew its refusal and granted refugee status.
Asylum claim: sexual orientation, Pakistan
Acted for a vulnerable client from Pakistan claiming asylum based on sexual orientation. Oriola prepared his witness statement, supported him in gathering evidence, and prepared him for his asylum interviews. He was granted refugee status for five years.
Who Oriola Acts For
Oriola represents individuals who need protection in the UK: people fleeing persecution, victims of trafficking and modern slavery, and those whose claims require careful evidence-building and sensitive handling. Her clients arrive at different stages of the asylum process. Some come to her before they have registered a claim. Others contact her after a refusal, with an appeal deadline approaching. She takes both types of instruction and responds the same day, where urgency requires it.
How Oriola Works
When a new client contacts Oriola, she listens first. Many clients arrive anxious and uncertain, having had limited contact with the legal system before. She stays calm, gives clear initial advice on what needs to happen, and explains the process so the client understands what to expect at each stage.
She responds on the same day or within 24 hours, depending on urgency. Clients are told clearly when and how to contact her, and what to expect in return.
Oriola speaks English and Albanian.
What Clients Say
“Many clients tell me they feel reassured and well-supported during what is often a very stressful and difficult process.”
Oriola Uka, Immigration Lawyer, Law Lane Solicitors
Credentials
- LLB (Hons) with Qualifying Status, Arden University, London (February 2020 to May 2023).
- Law Degree, Faculty of Law, University of Tirana, Albania (2006 to 2010).
- Member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the Albanian National Lawyers Chamber.
Oriola regularly publishes legal updates on immigration law on her social media channels, including commentary on UK asylum policy changes and Home Office fee increases.
Community Work
Oriola has carried out pro bono immigration work with the Shpresa Programme, supporting Albanian-speaking community members in London. She speaks Albanian fluently and is committed to removing the barriers that prevent some clients from accessing legal advice.
Speak to Oriola
Law Lane Solicitors has offices in Stratford (E15), Holborn (WC1V), and Croydon (CR0).
To discuss an asylum claim, an NRM matter, or any other immigration issue, contact Law Lane Solicitors on 020 7870 4870 or through the online enquiry form.
Law Lane Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
