South Asia is the second most significant asylum claim region in the UK after Sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple CPINs cover Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, but only Sri Lanka has binding UK Upper Tribunal country guidance. Expert evidence is essential to fill gaps in CPIN coverage and address rapidly changing conditions, particularly post-August 2024 Bangladesh.
Current South Asia CPINs
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| Country | CPIN Topics Available |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Political parties; Religious minorities; LGBTQ+ |
| India | Sikh separatism; Muslims; LGBTQ+; Caste |
| Sri Lanka | Tamils; LTTE; Human rights defenders |
| Nepal | General background |
| Bhutan | Limited coverage |
For Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, there is no current country guidance from the UK Upper Tribunal. Expert evidence is particularly valuable to supplement CPIN positions and provide profile-specific risk analysis.
Country Guidance Cases
KK and Others (Sri Lanka: Tamil) CG [2021] UKUT 00245
Leading country guidance on Sri Lanka Tamil asylum claims. Establishes risk profiles including actual or imputed LTTE associations, diaspora activists, and those who have given evidence against the government.
For a detailed analysis of South Asian asylum claims, see our South Asia asylum explained pillar page.
Post-August 2024 Bangladesh CPIN Gap
The August 2024 fall of Sheikh Hasina's government has materially changed Bangladesh country conditions. Existing CPINs on political parties may not reflect post-transition dynamics where Awami League supporters now face risk and BNP supporters may have changed country conditions arguments. Expert witnesses provide current analysis beyond CPIN publication dates.
How Expert Reports Relate to CPINs
Expert witnesses do not simply reproduce CPIN content. The expert's role is to provide independent, objective analysis of whether the appellant's specific profile creates a real risk, applying current field research and source citations beyond the CPIN. Where the CPIN supports the appellant, the expert confirms and applies it to the individual profile. Where it does not, the expert challenges CPIN findings with verifiable evidence.
All South Asian Asylum Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CPIN in UK asylum law?
A Country Policy Information Note (CPIN) is a Home Office document setting out the UK government's position on country conditions for asylum decision-making. CPINs are not binding on immigration tribunals but carry significant weight. South Asia has CPINs covering Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Which South Asian countries have UK country guidance?
Only Sri Lanka has current UK Upper Tribunal country guidance: KK and Others (Sri Lanka: Tamil) CG [2021] UKUT 00245. Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan have no current binding country guidance, making expert evidence especially important for these countries.
Can expert evidence challenge Home Office CPIN findings on South Asia?
Yes. Expert witnesses provide independent analysis beyond CPIN reproduction. Where the CPIN does not reflect the appellant's profile or current conditions (such as post-August 2024 Bangladesh), the expert may challenge findings with field research, UN reports, and profile-specific evidence.