Asylum seekers will be able to get legal expenses cover to bring cases if their human rights are abused.

Bristol brokerage Ultraviolet has launched Asylum Rights, a legal expenses package for asylum seekers, who must pay the 100-euro premium before they enter the UK.

A network of French brokers will sell the product. Ultraviolet is also developing agencies in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The insurance covers legal fees incurred by infringement of the European Convention of Human Rights, personal liability, personal injury resulting in permanent total disability and a free 24-hour legal helpline in 15 languages.

Ultraviolet managing director Simon Burgess said "a household name French insurer that operates in the UK" underwrote it. It is understood the insurer is AXA.

He said he was prepared for anti-immigration campaigners to be critical of the product, which is a worldwide first.

"The Human Rights Convention is the most important piece of legislation to emerge in recent times," he said. "They can say what they like."


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