A Kurdish migrant from Iraq is waiting for a new decision on his asylum claim in the UK after a judge found problems with how his case was first handled. The migrant, known as BQ, says he fears for his life because of an affair with his uncle’s wife, which he believes puts him at risk of honor-based violence if sent back to Iraq.
BQ, an Iraqi national of Kurdish background, arrived in the UK 🇬🇧 by boat in December 2020. He claimed asylum on December 10, 2020, saying he had to flee Iraq after his family discovered his relationship with his paternal uncle’s wife. He says his uncle, father, and the woman’s family would kill or harm him for bringing shame to the family. The affair began in February 2018 and was discovered in 2019. After the discovery, BQ hid at his sister’s house and was told to leave Iraq immediately. He traveled through several countries, including Turkey, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Austria, Germany, and France, before reaching the UK 🇬🇧.
The UK Home Office refused BQ’s asylum claim on December 11, 2023. Officials questioned whether his story was true and raised doubts about the existence of the uncle, who BQ described as a colonel. The Home Office also questioned other parts of his story. BQ appealed the refusal to the First-tier Tribunal, but the tribunal dismissed his appeal on November 4, 2024.
BQ did not give up. He appealed again, this time to the Upper Tribunal. On July 8, 2025, Deputy Judge Andrew Deakin found that the First-tier Tribunal made serious mistakes in how it handled the case. The judge said the first tribunal did not fairly consider all the evidence and made errors in judging BQ’s credibility. Because of these mistakes, the Upper Tribunal ordered a new hearing before a different judge.
As of August 2025, BQ’s asylum claim is waiting for this new hearing at the First-tier Tribunal. The outcome is still unknown. If BQ wins his case, he could be granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK 🇬🇧. If he loses, he may face removal to Iraq.
Why This Case Matters
This case shows how complicated asylum claims can be, especially when they involve honor-based violence and family disputes. In many Kurdish communities in Iraq 🇮🇶, strict codes of honor mean that relationships seen as shameful can lead to threats, violence, or even death. BQ says he faces this kind of danger if forced to return.
The case also highlights the challenges in the UK 🇬🇧 asylum system. Officials must decide if someone is telling the truth and if they really face harm in their home country. Sometimes, cultural differences and lack of understanding about honor-based violence make these decisions even harder.
Legal Process and Next Steps
BQ’s case will now go back to the First-tier Tribunal for a fresh hearing. This means:
- A new judge will hear the case and look at all the evidence again.
- BQ can present new evidence or bring witnesses to support his claim.
- The tribunal will consider country information about Iraq 🇮🇶, especially about risks for people involved in honor-based disputes.
- If BQ wins, he may get asylum or humanitarian protection, allowing him to stay in the UK 🇬🇧.
- If he loses, he can appeal again, but the process could take more time.
Anyone interested in following cases like BQ’s or seeking legal help can visit the UK Immigration and Asylum Chamber website for official updates and resources.
Broader Context: Kurdish Migrants and Asylum in the UK
BQ’s story is not unique. Many Kurdish migrants from Iraq 🇮🇶 and other countries seek asylum in the UK 🇬🇧 and Europe, fleeing threats such as honor-based violence, tribal conflicts, and political repression. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Kurdish asylum seekers often face long journeys through several countries, sometimes using dangerous routes and relying on smuggling networks.
Honor-based violence is a serious problem in some parts of the Middle East. In these cases, family members may feel pressure to punish someone who is seen as bringing shame to the family. This can include violence, threats, or even murder. For Kurdish migrants like BQ, these risks make returning home dangerous.
Challenges in the UK Asylum System
The UK 🇬🇧 asylum system faces many challenges when dealing with cases like BQ’s:
- Credibility Assessments: Officials must decide if the migrant’s story is true. This can be hard when there is little evidence or when cultural differences make stories seem unusual.
- Understanding Cultural Context: Some experts say UK tribunals need better training on issues like honor-based violence. Without this understanding, they may not see the real risks migrants face.
- Balancing Protection and Abuse: The Home Office says it must protect people who really need help but also prevent abuse of the asylum system. This balance is not always easy to achieve.
Expert and Stakeholder Views
Some legal experts and migrant support groups say BQ’s case shows why fair hearings are so important. They argue that mistakes in the first tribunal could have put BQ at risk if he had been sent back to Iraq 🇮🇶. They also say that more training is needed for judges and officials to understand the dangers of honor-based violence.
On the other hand, the Home Office and some politicians stress the need to check claims carefully. They worry that some people may make up stories to get asylum. They say the system must be fair but also firm.
What Happens Next for BQ and Others Like Him
For BQ, the next step is the new hearing at the First-tier Tribunal. He will need to show that he faces a real risk of harm if returned to Iraq 🇮🇶. This may include:
- Providing detailed witness statements
- Bringing expert reports about honor-based violence in Iraq 🇮🇶
- Explaining his journey and why he could not find safety in other countries
If the tribunal believes BQ, he could be allowed to stay in the UK 🇬🇧. If not, he may have to leave, unless he can appeal again.
Practical Tips for Asylum Seekers Facing Similar Risks
- Get legal advice early. Specialist lawyers or NGOs can help prepare a strong case.
- Collect as much evidence as possible. This can include letters from family, police reports, or expert statements.
- Explain cultural risks clearly. Tribunals may not understand honor-based violence without clear explanations.
- Stay informed about your rights and the process. Official government websites and trusted organizations can provide updates.
Conclusion
The case of the Kurdish migrant BQ shows how personal stories, cultural risks, and legal rules come together in the UK 🇬🇧 asylum system. As his claim moves forward, it will test how well the system protects people fleeing real danger while making sure decisions are fair and based on evidence. For many Kurdish migrants and others seeking safety, the outcome could shape their future and their hopes for a new life.
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