Refugee & Immigration Legal Service

RAILS, the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service, is an independent not-for-profit Community Legal Centre based in Queensland. It provides free immigration legal advice and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in vulnerable situations, and it supports clients to navigate processes before the Department of Home Affairs, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the courts. The organisation also delivers community education and resources to improve access to justice for migrant communities.

With more than four decades of focused experience, RAILS has earned a reputation as Queensland's specialist in migration and refugee matters. It is recognised for handling complex cases, supporting Afghan crisis responses and collaborating with private law firms and community partners to extend legal assistance. In the 2021-22 financial year, RAILS represented 532 clients, finalised 167 matters, provided legal advice on 2,532 occasions and operated with 40 staff and 217 volunteers across eight outreach locations.

RAILS emphasizes a client-centred service approach and trauma-informed practice, with interpreters provided as required to support clients and a commitment to culturally safe care. The organisation delivers education and outreach across Queensland and maintains robust pro bono partnerships with private firms to extend representation when capacity allows, ensuring access to justice for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.