Government Authorised Exchange route (‘GAE route’) – What is it and how does it work?

There are many routes into the UK and these routes can allow applicants to remain in the country for various amounts of time. Where the applicant only plans to stay in the UK temporarily, they usually have to go through slightly different processes to those who are looking for a more permanent settlement.   The […]

Solicitors on the Lenders Panel: What does it mean, why is it important and whose panels are we on?

We have said it before, and we will likely say it again: purchasing a property is one of the most financially demanding ventures that you can undertake. However, it does not only require money and time but also trust, and that trust must flow in all directions within the proceedings in order to make the […]

Rent Repayment Order not applicable to directors of corporate landlords! What can we learn from a recent case?

There are various reasons that a tenant or a group of tenants may want to pursue a rent repayment order (RRO). One of the more common complaints leading to an RRO is where a landlord is renting out an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), but claims can also be made for the following offences: […]

Right to work checks to see changes from 6 April 2022!

This is one that all employers should be aware of if they do not want to incur a heavy fine for hiring an unauthorized migrant. Right to work checks should apply to all candidates, even British citizens to avoid claims of discrimination, and while they are not mandatory they are extremely useful and can save […]

Does overstaying break the period of lawful residence? An insight from a recent case can tell.

Written by Katherine Chan.     The recent case of R (on the application of Afzal) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] All ER (D) 82 (Dec) sheds light on the contentious issue of continuous lawful residence under paragraph 276 of the Immigration Rules. The Court held in this case that although […]

More options on offer for Afghan nationals in the UK as situation in their country remains volatile. What can we learn from the new Home Office guidance?

You have likely seen on the news that the political and economic situation in Afghanistan remain in dire circumstances, with the Taliban in full control of the nation. There are reports of many people going without food, shelters being overly full and many businesses being unable to operate properly.   To show support to Afghanistan […]

Naturalisation – flexibility in the 5 year residence requirement

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     A person can apply for naturalisation and become a British Citizen if they satisfy all of the requirements. Some of those requirements include suitability requirements, eligibility requirements and passing the Life in the UK test.   Schedule 1, paragraph 1(2)(a) of the British Nationality Act 1981 states that any […]

Post-Brexit Britain starts embracing skilled workers: sponsorship applications triple and near-zero action has been taken against sponsors

Sometimes the best way to figure out what is going on in the world of UK immigration is to take a look at the numbers related to it. We have analysed the data related to the sponsoring of applicants on the Tier 2, 4 and 5 routes. There are some interesting trends that reading this […]

EU Residency Rights not available to ex-partners who have experienced domestic abuse – what can we learn from a recent case?

We focus on a case today which is just one of many pending cases which have been stagnating since before Brexit, and are potentially affected by alterations of rules due to the UK leaving the European Union. The main issues within this case revolves around the Home Office denying the claimants right of residence in […]

New guidance released to combat Property-Title-Fraud! What does it mean, and what can you do to stop it?

Purchasing a property is many peoples main lifetime goal, and often takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication to achieve. Not to mention the ever increasing costs of property in the UK. It is no surprise then that fraudsters will try to target those who are so close to completing the purchase of […]

Welcome Minnie!

We are over the moon to welcome Minnie Tse into our ranks, who has filled the role of Office Administrator! During her first week she has already exhibited excellent traits that are suited perfectly to the role, including being hard-working, focussed and with a fantastic attention to detail.   Minnie studied Sociology and Education in […]

Are workers entitled to time off due to bereavement, and what types of changes to this issue are MPs fighting for?

Losing a loved one is undeniably difficult and can lead to serious emotional anguish, depressive thoughts and in some cases trouble dealing with everyday life. It can often be the lowest point in someone’s life, and wherever possible those around them should offer support and comfort to help them get back on track.   When […]