Asylum Screening Delay

[rothmans]

Hi all,
I apologise if I am posting in the wrong section. I simply couldn't find a place where to ask my asylum-related question.

I got a friend in the UK who wanted to claim asylum. He phoned the asylum unit to make an appointment for "screening", but they gave him a reference number and asked him to call after 10 days, after 10 days they told him to seek legal advice from a solicitor. I understand because of Coronavirus, there maybe delays but I am not why asked him to look for a solicitor at this very early stage. He's worried because his visa runs out today.

Any idea why they are delayig this first interview.
Warm wishes

[CR001]

There is an existing lengthy topic for asylum applications.

https://www.immigrationboards.com/gener ... -1460.html